At the Paris 2024 Olympics, several athletes of Nigerian heritage earned medals while representing other countries. These athletes, despite their Nigerian roots, competed for nations such as Germany, Bahrain, the United States, France, Great Britain, and Spain.
Notable achievements included Yemisi Ogunleye winning gold in the women's shot put for Germany, and Salwa Eid Naser claiming silver in the women's 400m for Bahrain. Annette Echikunwoke earned silver in the women's hammer throw for the USA, while Michael Olise and Barthelemy Chinenyeze helped France secure silver in men's football and gold in men's volleyball, respectively. Samu Omorodion won gold in men's football for Spain, Victoria Ohuruogu took bronze in the women's 4x400m relay for Great Britain, and Femi Adebayo was part of the USA men’s basketball team that won gold.
In contrast, Nigeria's own Olympic performance was disappointing, with the country failing to secure any medals. This marked a stark decline from its notable performance in the 1996 Atlanta Games and mirrored the lackluster showing at the 2012 London Olympics.
As Nigeria looks towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the upcoming Paralympic Games, there is hope for improvement and a return to prominence in international sports.
