Nigeria is blessed with great talents and this is evident in the country’s team of athletes. At the Paris Olympics, Nigeria may not have brought home many trophies, but some Nigerian athletes have won trophies for representing other countries. In this article, Naijassador explores four of these international athletes of Nigerian origin who won medals at the Paris Olympics for their second country.
1. Yemisi Ogunleye
The first Olympic victor on our list is Nigerian-born athlete, Yemisi Ogunleye. She was originally born in Germany to a Nigerian Yoruba father and a German mother. Yemisi shone brightly for the 2024 Olympics in Paris when she won the gold medal in shot put for Germany. Her powerful throws, combined with precision and technique, propelled her to the top of the podium. Her victory is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and the enduring athleticism that runs deep in her Nigerian roots.
2. Salwa Eid Naser
Ebelechukwu Antoinette Agbapuonwu popularly known as Salwa Eid Naser is a Nigerian-born athlete who has also made an impactful mark in the Olympics. She was born in Onitsha, Anambra State to a Nigerian mother of Eastern origin and a Bahrain father. She specializes in the 400 metres as a sprinter and she was a World champion in 2019. The 400m silver medalist began her athletic career in Nigeria, showcasing immense talent at the Nigerian Youth Games. Salwa Eid Naser won the silver medal at the Paris Olympics following her years of dedication and a testament to her unwavering spirit.
3. Samu Omorodion
Samuel Omorodion Aghehowa professionally known as Samu Omorodion is a Spanish footballer of Nigerian descent. He was born in Melilla, Spain to Nigerian parents. He contributed significantly to Spain’s gold medal victory in the men’s football event. Though he didn’t feature in the final, his performances throughout the tournament were instrumental in Spain’s success. Omorodion’s story is a reminder of the global impact of Nigerian football talent.
4. Annette Echikunwoke
Famous Nigerian-American hammer thrower, Annette Nneka Echikunwoke is also another international athlete of Nigerian origin at the Olympics. She initially represented Nigeria for the 2020 Summer Olympics but was disqualified due to issues with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria. This issue prompted her to declare her allegiance to the United States and she represented the country at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. She also won a silver medal in the women’s hammer throw event. Her exceptional performance showcased the depth of talent within the Nigerian diaspora and highlighted the opportunities available to athletes seeking to reach their full potential on the global stage.
In Conclusion,
These four international athletes exemplify the extraordinary talent emerging from Nigeria and its diaspora. While the achievements of these athletes were under different flags or countries, their Nigerian heritage remains a source of pride for the nation. Their stories inspire future generations of athletes in Nigeria and worldwide to dream big and strive for excellence no matter where they find themselves.