D’Tigress: Nigeria’s Pride at the 2024 Olympics

By Hafsat Ibrahim

The Paris 2024 Olympics was a momentous occasion for Nigeria, with the nation qualifying in various fields including women’s football, badminton, athletics, basketball, and boxing. The event was particularly significant for Nigeria’s athletics, showcasing the country’s potential and determination on the global stage.

Nigerians in the diaspora made their mark, turning their fortunes around by representing their homeland at this prestigious event. The Paris 2024 Olympics provided an opportunity for these athletes to showcase their talent and earn respect in their respective fields.

One of the standout performances from Nigeria was in women’s basketball, where the team, known as D’Tigress, made history. D’Tigress became the first African team—male or female—to reach the quarter-finals of an Olympic Games, achieving this feat after a crucial victory over Canada in their final group game. This triumph is especially noteworthy, considering that the team had only won their first Olympic game in Athens 2004 and had to wait 20 years for their second victory. This victory is indeed worth celebrating.

President Tinubu recognized and commended the team’s coach and managers for their dedication and hard work. He encouraged D’Tigress not to rest on their laurels until they secure the ultimate victory—a gold medal. The President also assured the team and the entire Nigerian contingent of his unwavering support as they represented the nation on this global stage.

The 2024 Olympics highlighted the remarkable achievements of Nigerian women in sports, especially in a world traditionally dominated by men. Out of the 88 athletes who represented Nigeria at Paris, 63 were women, showcasing the nation’s strength in female athletics.

This year’s Olympics was a rollercoaster for Nigeria, marked by controversies, such as Favour Ofili’s exclusion from her event, but also by outstanding performances like the women’s basketball team reaching the quarterfinals. Unfortunately, Nigeria did not secure any gold medals, a stark contrast to previous Olympic successes.

However, several Nigerian athletes delivered impressive performances, particularly in track and field. Here are some of the standout athletes:

– Rena Wakama: The head coach of D’Tigress, Wakama led the team to new heights. As the first female head coach of the team, she won AfroBasket last year and secured qualification for the Olympics in February 2024. Under her leadership, the team has shattered records and made history.

– Favour Ofili: Despite the disappointment of not being entered in the women’s 100m event, Ofili made the final in the 200m, becoming the first Nigerian to do so in 28 years.

– Tobi Amusan: The world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, Amusan started her Olympic campaign strongly, winning her heat with a time of 12.49s. This is her third consecutive Olympic Games, and she once again reached the semifinals.

– Samuel Ogazi: In his debut Olympics, Ogazi qualified for the men’s 400m final, becoming the first Nigerian to do so in 36 years.

– Ella Onojuvwevwo: The 19-year-old played a crucial role in the mixed 4x400m relay team, which set a new national record. She also made it to the semifinals in the 400m.

– Prestina Ochonogor: The long jump sensation reached the final with a jump of 6.65m, showing that she is a rising star in the sport.

– Ezekiel Nathaniel: The sole representative in the men’s 400m hurdles, Nathaniel reached the semifinals, becoming the first Nigerian to do so in 12 years.

– Ruth Usoro: After being disqualified from the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, Usoro redeemed herself by reaching the long jump final in Paris.

– Ese Brume: Brume led a historic feat by qualifying for the long jump final, marking the first time three Nigerian women have competed in the final.

– *Chukwuebuka Enekwechi*: Enekwechi, known as ‘Big Chuks,’ was the first Nigerian athlete to reach the Paris 2024 Olympics final in Shot Put with a throw of 21.14m.

– Kanyinsola Ajayi: Making his Olympic debut, Ajayi reached the 100m semifinals after defeating the Tokyo 2021 gold medalist in the heats.

These athletes exemplify Nigeria’s sporting talent and resilience. Despite not claiming a gold medal, their performances at the 2024 Olympics will be remembered as a testament to the country’s determination and progress in the world of sports.