Nigeria at the Olympics
The Nigeria Olympic Committee was established in 1950, just in time for them to prepare and join for the first time the Olympics in Helsinki, Finland for the in 1952.
Twelve years after their debut, Nigeria had its first taste of Olympic honors when boxer Nojim Maiyegun won bronze in the men's light middleweight division in Tokyo, Japan.
Eight years later, another boxer, Isaac Ikhouria, will also win the bronze medal, this time in the men's light heavyweight division in Munich, West Germany. Like many African countries, Nigeria opted to pass on the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada and opted to return in 1980.
In 1984, boxer Peter Konyegwachie won the silver in the featherweight division while Innocent Egbunike, Moses Ugbusien, Rotimi Peters, and Sunday Uti took the bronze in the men's 4x400 meter relay in Los Angeles, California, USA. 1984 also was the first year that Nigeria won multiple Olympic medals in one meeting.
In 1996, another Nigerian first happened in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. For the first time since their debut in 1952, Nigeria tastes Olympic gold when Chioma Ajunwa took the top spot in women's long jump and their men's national football team also won the gold after beating Argentina.
As with most African countries, Nigeria has never participated in the Winter Olympics, though this is set to change in 2018 with a Nigerian female bobsled team.
Trivia
- America's men's basketball team scored an Olympic record 156 points when they beat Nigeria at London 2012.
Related Pages
- Nigeria at the Winter Olympics
- List of all countries that have participated at the Olympic Games.
- About sport in Nigeria
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
Upcoming Events