Sport in Nigeria
Nigeria has a rich culture, and sports have contributed a lot to these customs, starting off with the traditional sport of Nigeria which is called Dambe Boxing, a Hausa Martial Sports held on festivals. In the early days, Dambe Boxing means practicing military skills, yet the game is now only played as a means of achieving personal prestige, demonstrating masculinity, and bringing honor to one’s family and village.
1973 All Africa Game in Laos Nigeria In Nigeria, along with many other countries where Football is a popular sport, the country was able to be successful at the sport. Super Eagles, its national team, competes regularly for international titles and has made its mark in global sports competitions when regarded as one of the best teams in Africa and was ranked 10th in the world.
Rashidi Yekini was the most notable striker in Nigeria for he played more than two decades. He was also the top scorer in his time.
Nigeria may lack on sports achievements but never in festivities and events held annually that many Nigerians get excited about. Some of these are Argungu Fishing Festival which was first held in 1934, and the goal of the competition is to catch the largest fish. The Abuja International Motor Fair is an event that showcases the latest in the car and truck worlds.
Below are details of sports, sporting events and sports people related to Nigeria. Is there something missing? If you know of something that should be listed here, please let us know.
Popular sports of Nigeria
- Football (Soccer), Boxing, Rugby, Track and Field, basketball
Traditional or Regional Sports
- Dambe Boxing - a Hausa Martial Sports held during festivals
Nigeria Sporting Success
- The men's football team won gold in at the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996.
- In 2013, Nigeria ended a 19-year Africa Cup of Nations title drought with a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso.
Great athletes from Nigeria
- Hakeem Olajuwon (basketball)
- Rashidi Yekini (football)
- Nwankwo Kanu (Football)
- Nojeem Maiyegun (Boxing)
- Austin Okocha (Football)
- Innocent Egbunike (Track & Field)
- Chioma Ajunwa (Football, Track & Field)
- Christian Chukwu/Segun Odegbami (Football)
- Enefiok Udo-obong (Track & Field)
- Mercy Akide (Football)
- Dick Tiger (Boxing)
- Stephen Keshi (Football)
- Hogan 'Kid' Bassey (Boxing)
- Teslim 'Thunder' Balogun (Football)
Nigeria Sports trivia
- Chioma Ajunwa won Nigeria's first Olympic gold medal at Atlanta 1996.
Nigeria at major events
- Nigeria at the Summer Olympics
- Nigeria at the Winter Olympics
- Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games
- Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup
- Nigeria women's football team at the FIFA Women's World Cup
Past sporting events hosted in Nigeria
- 1973 All-Africa Games
- 1980 and 2000 African Cup of Nations
- 1989 African Championships in Athletics
- 2003 All-Africa Games
- 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup
Upcoming sporting events in Nigeria
Annual sporting events held in Nigeria
Sporting Facilities in Nigeria
Related Pages
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