- TheRadar has compiled below numerous defining sporting moments for Nigerian fans in 2024
- From record-breaking feats to emotional victories, these events saw Nigerian athletes cover themselves in glory on the global stage
- With fans savouring each moment, this list spans football, athletics, basketball, boxing and more
The year 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary for Nigerian sports fans, delivering moments that will remain etched in our memories for years to come.
From historic achievements on the global stage to electrifying local competitions, the passion and pride for sports in Nigeria reached new heights. Across football, athletics, basketball, and more, Nigerian athletes and teams displayed their impressive talent and a determined spirit that inspired millions.
In this compilation, we take you through 12 unforgettable sporting events that defined 2024 for Nigerian fans. These moments not only united the nation but also showed the unwavering passion Nigerians have for sports. Each event is proof of the power of sports in bringing people together and creating long-lasting memories.
Sporting events that defined 2024 for Nigerian fans
1. African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2024 final
The Super Eagles of Nigeria fell short of claiming their fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, succumbing to a relentless Ivory Coast in a frustrating final at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium.
The hosts triumphed 2-1 in front of a raucous 60,000 crowd, securing their third continental crown and denying Nigeria the opportunity to match Ghana's tally of four AFCON wins.
Nigeria seemed ready to repeat their earlier 1-0 group-stage victory over Ivory Coast when captain William Troost-Ekong headed home Ademola Lookman’s pinpoint corner just before halftime.
However, the Elephants showed how resilient they were and not willing to disappoint in front of the home crowd. Franck Kessie levelled the score in the 62nd minute, heading home from a corner, and Sébastien Haller completed the turnaround in the 81st minute by converting Simon Adingra’s precise cross. The stadium erupted in celebration as Ivory Coast became the first host nation to win the AFCON since Egypt’s triumph in 2006.
The victory capped a remarkable turnaround for the Ivorians, who had endured a tumultuous start to the tournament. After a humbling 4-0 group-stage defeat to Equatorial Guinea, they parted ways with coach Jean-Louis Gasset and installed Emerse Faé at the helm. Under Faé, the team rediscovered its form, knocking out defending champions Senegal on penalties, overcoming Mali with a dramatic extra-time goal, and edging DR Congo in the semifinals thanks to Haller's decisive strike.
For many Nigerians, the final was a tale of missed opportunities. Calvin Bassey’s heroic block and Stanley Nwabali’s crucial saves initially kept the Ivorians at bay, but the Super Eagles faltered under late pressure. It marked the first time Nigeria trailed in the tournament since their opening match, and failed to score back.
Ivory Coast’s triumph was as impressive as their record, as they joined Nigeria on three AFCON titles, stamping their place in African football history. For Nigeria, the loss will be a bittersweet reminder of a campaign filled with promise but ending just short of glory.
2. Europa League final
Ademola Lookman etched his name into football history as he fired Atalanta to a commanding 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final. The Nigerian forward’s superb hat-trick not only ended Leverkusen’s extraordinary 51-match unbeaten streak but also secured Atalanta’s second major trophy in their 117-year history.
The final, held at a packed Aviva Stadium, saw Lookman take centre stage from the begining. The 26-year-old, who revitalised his career under Gian Piero Gasperini in Italy, opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a clinical finish from Davide Zappacosta’s cutback. Just seven minutes later, Lookman doubled Atalanta’s lead, capitalising on a defensive error to curl a stunning right-footed shot into the bottom corner.
Leverkusen, known for their late comebacks at the time, introduced their top scorer, Victor Boniface, at halftime to salvage their chances. However, Atalanta’s defence held firm, ensuring Xabi Alonso’s men could not replicate the magic that had seen them defeat top teams like Liverpool and Marseille earlier in the competition.
The night belonged to Lookman, who sealed his hat-trick in the 75th minute with a thunderous left-footed strike into the top corner. His remarkable performance made him the first player since Jupp Heynckes in 1975 to score three goals in a major European final.
The final whistle marked a moment of euphoria for the Bergamo-based club, as Lookman was hoisted into the air by jubilant teammates. Atalanta celebrated their first European trophy and their first major triumph since the 1963 Italian Cup.
For Nigerian football, Lookman’s heroics in Europe’s second-tier competition were a source of immense pride. This unforgettable feat will long be remembered as a high point for Nigerian sports.
3. UEFA Champions League final
Only a few teams have met Real Madrid in a Champions League final with the audacity Borussia Dortmund displayed at Wembley Stadium on October 22nd. However, despite Dortmund’s best efforts, Real Madrid etched another indelible mark on football history, securing their record-extending 15th European Cup with a dramatic 2-0 victory.
For much of the game, Dortmund appeared capable of toppling the European giants. The German side dominated the first half, frequently pinning Madrid into their own territory and creating several scoring opportunities. Yet, the Los Blancos defence, marshalled by Thibaut Courtois, remained unyielding. As the first half ended goalless, Dortmund had reason to believe an upset was within their grasp.
Real Madrid, however, came into the second half determined to impose their authority. Tactical adjustments saw Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham take charge. An early free kick by Toni Kroos, earned by Vinícius, nearly broke the deadlock, but Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel spectacularly tipped it away.
The breakthrough came in the 74th minute when Dani Carvajal rose to meet Kroos’ corner, heading the ball high into the net to give Madrid a 1-0 lead. It was Carvajal’s first Champions League goal of the season, delivered at the most opportune moment.
Dortmund’s confidence faltered further in the 82nd minute after Ian Maatsen’s costly error gifted possession to Jude Bellingham. The English midfielder quickly fed Vinícius, who coolly slotted home his 24th goal of the season to seal Madrid’s victory.
This triumph extended Madrid’s unparalleled Champions League record, with their last final loss dating back to 1981.
4. Paris Olympics 2024
The 2024 Paris Olympics will remain a bitter memory for Nigeria, a nation of over 200 million people who arrived with high hopes and significant investment.
Buoyed by confidence from the African Games, where Nigeria had a respectable showing, the Nigerian government allocated over NGN 12 billion (USD 7.5 million) to ensure a successful Olympic outing. However, the reality was grim, Nigeria left Paris without a single medal, marking the eighth time the country has failed to make the podium at the Summer Olympics.
With a delegation of 88 athletes, Nigeria joined the long list of medal-less campaigns, reminiscent of previous droughts in Helsinki (1952), Melbourne (1956), Rome (1960), Mexico City (1968), Moscow (1980), Seoul (1988), and London (2012). This was a stark contrast to African counterparts like Egypt, which won three medals, including gold, silver, and bronze, despite topping the African Games medal table with 40 golds.
Nigerian athletes fought valiantly but fell short in critical moments. Favour Ofili finished 6th in the women’s 200-metre final, while Blessing Oborududu narrowly missed a bronze in the 68 kg freestyle wrestling category. In the long jump, Ese Brume, Ruth Usoro, and Prestina Ochonogor reached the finals but failed to secure a top-three finish.
The campaign was marred by controversies that showed administrative inefficiencies. Cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye, Nigeria’s first Olympic cyclist, revealed she borrowed a bicycle from German competitors to participate. Similarly, sprinter Favour Ofili accused the Nigerian Olympic Committee and Athletics Federation of Nigeria of failing to enter her for the 100-metre event, forcing her to focus solely on the 200-metre.
5. Paralympics 2024
The 2024 Paris Paralympic Games proved Nigeria’s reputation as a giant in adaptive sports, continuing the nation’s unbroken medal streak since its debut in 1992. From August 28 to September 8, Nigerian athletes demonstrated unmatched determination, securing a total of seven medals, two gold, three silver, and two bronze, and finishing 40th on the overall medal table.
While Nigeria’s Olympic team drew sharp criticism for failing to secure any medals earlier in the summer, the Paralympians rose to the occasion, becoming the nation's saving grace. Their triumph reignited debates about the Nigeria Athletics Federation (AFN) and the Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) mismanaging top-tier talent.
Onyinyechi Mark delivered one of the standout performances of the Games in the women’s 61kg powerlifting category. At just 23 years old, she won Nigeria’s first gold medal, setting both Paralympic and world records. Mark’s remarkable 147kg lift in her final attempt left her competitors, including China’s Cui Jianjin and Mexico’s Amalia Pérez, trailing behind.
Another golden moment came from Folashade Oluwafemiayo in the women’s over 86kg powerlifting category where she lifted an historic 166kg which earned her a gold medal.
In the F54 javelin event, Flora Ugwunwa claimed silver with a 19.26-meter throw, narrowly missing gold to Uzbekistan’s Nurkhon Kurbanova, who set a new world record with a 21.12-meter throw. Esther Nworgu also added silver in the women’s up to 41kg powerlifting, breaking two Paralympic records with lifts of 112kg and 118kg.
Isaac Ogunkunle made history in para table tennis, clinching bronze in the men’s singles Class 4 event after defeating elite players, including reigning Paralympic champion Abdullah Ozturk of Turkey.
6. Ballon d’Or nominations
In an unforgettable highlight for Nigerian football in 2024, Ademola Lookman earned a spot among the 30 nominees for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, making him one of the world's elite footballers.
The award, presented annually by France Football, recognises the best male and female players globally and is regarded as the pinnacle of individual achievement in the sport. Lookman, at 27, became the sole Nigerian representative on the 2024 shortlist, joining a legendary list of Nigerian players previously considered for the award.
Lookman’s nomination was a result of an extraordinary season with Atalanta, where his brilliance propelled the Italian side to the UEFA Europa League final. His skill were also instrumental in the Super Eagles' remarkable run to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. These performances made him one of the most impactful players of the year.
Historically, only eight Nigerian players have been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, starting with Finidi George, Daniel Amokachi, and Austin Jay-Jay Okocha in 1995. Nwankwo Kanu, another Nigerian icon, received nominations in 1996 and 1999 during his stellar career at Arsenal and Inter Milan.
The nomination of Lookman followed a historic milestone in 2023 when Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala became the first Nigerian male and female players to be shortlisted in the same year.
Lookman’s inclusion in the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominees reflected Nigeria’s growing influence on global football.
7. CAF men’s awards nominations
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the official men's category nominees in the 2024 CAF Awards.
The prestigious ceremony, scheduled for December 16, 2024, in Marrakech, Morocco, recognised the top performances in African football from January to October 2024. This follows the 2023 edition, where Victor Osimhen claimed the African Player of the Year title, while Asisat Oshoala won the women's category.
Despite the former’s impressive form, including his standout performances for Nigeria in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Osimhen did not make the top 10 nominees for this year’s Player of the Year award, nor did national team coach Jose Peseiro, who guided Nigeria to the AFCON final. Nigerian stars such as Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong and Stanley Nwabali were rather nominated in the men’s category.
In the Men’s Player of the Year category final shortlist, which was always released about a week before the awards night, five outstanding candidates, including Ademola Lookman, who was the only Nigerian in the running for the coveted prize.
Simon Adingra from Côte d’Ivoire, who plays for Brighton & Hove Albion in England, was among the nominees. Other contenders include Serhou Guirassy from Guinea, who plays for Borussia Dortmund in Germany; Achraf Hakimi from Morocco, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain in France; and Ronwen Williams from South Africa, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns.
Notably, Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali was not included in the final shortlist for the CAF Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, despite his impressive performance at the AFCON.
Nwabali played seven games, kept four clean sheets, saved two penalties in the semifinal shootout, and played a crucial role in helping Nigeria reach the final. Nwabali has equally been doing well with his South African club, Chippa United, which made his exclusion highly debatable.
8. CAF women’s awards nominations
In another remarkable milestone for Nigerian football, Chiamaka Nnadozie was named among the final three contenders for the 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the shortlist, which features Nnadozie alongside Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Morocco’s Sanaâ Mssoudy.
Nnadozie, a 24-year-old goalkeeper for Paris FC in France’s Division 1 Féminine, has had a year to remember. Lauded for her composure and athleticism, she played a pivotal role in her club’s success, helping them secure a third-place league finish. With a clean sheet ratio of 33%, Nnadozie’s heroics earned her the coveted Goalkeeper of the Season award in the 2023/24 campaign.
Her brilliance wasn’t limited to club football. Representing Nigeria at the Paris Olympic Games, she stood tall in goal, earning plaudits despite the Super Falcons’ overall struggles. Her nomination is proof of her consistency, hard work, and undeniable impact on the pitch.
The CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award is one of Africa’s most prestigious football honours, and Nnadozie’s inclusion continues Nigeria’s proud legacy in the category. Unfortunately she lost the award to Zambia’s Barbra Banda who also had a stellar year but despite the disappointment she won the Best Goalkeeper’s award of the Year.
This recognition reinforces Nnadozie’s standing as one of Africa’s finest players and a shining light for Nigerian women’s football.
9. Ballon d’Or awards night
Ademola Lookman etched his name into Nigerian football history by securing 14th place in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings.
The announcement, made during a glittering ceremony in Paris, celebrated Lookman’s exceptional rise to global prominence, marking his debut appearance in the race for football’s most prestigious individual award.
The Super Eagles and Atalanta forward enjoyed a sensational 2023-24 season, proving instrumental in Atalanta’s successes. Lookman netted 11 goals and provided seven assists in 31 Serie A matches. However, it was his exploits on the European stage that truly stood out. Lookman made history by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a European club competition final, guiding Atalanta to a memorable Europa League triumph over Bayer Leverkusen.
As the sole African representative on this year’s Ballon d’Or shortlist, Lookman’s achievement was deeply lauded within Nigeria and African football. His placement follows Victor Osimhen’s groundbreaking eighth-place finish in 2023, which ended a 24-year drought of Nigerian players being nominated since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.
With his sights set on further success in Serie A and upcoming international tournaments, Lookman’s journey is only beginning.
10. CAF awards night
The 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards, held in Marrakesh, Morocco, on December 16, celebrated the continent’s footballing excellence, and Nigeria emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners.
Ademola Lookman stole the spotlight, clinching the prestigious CAF Men’s Player of the Year Award. The Super Eagles star succeeded compatriot Victor Osimhen, marking back-to-back wins for Nigeria in this category. Lookman’s standout performances, including his historic Europa League hat-trick and inspiring displays at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In the women’s category, Chiamaka Nnadozie added to Nigeria’s haul, winning the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the second consecutive time. Nnadozie’s commanding presence between the posts for both Paris FC and the Nigerian national team earned her widespread recognition. Notably, Nigeria’s women’s national team also won the Team of the Year award.
Elsewhere, Zambia’s Barbra Banda claimed the CAF Women’s Player of the Year title, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams bagged double honours, including the CAF Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.
Lookman and Nnadozie’s triumphs will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Nigerian talent.
11. Adesanya vs. Du Plessis UFC fight
In a stunning turn of events at UFC 305, Dricus du Plessis etched his name in history by handing Israel Adesanya the first submission loss of his illustrious MMA career.
The fight, which headlined the UFC’s premier event of the year, captivated fans worldwide as the first-ever title bout between two African fighters, a milestone moment for the sport and the continent.
The 30-year-old South African champion entered the Octagon with the momentum of his title-winning victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 297. Adesanya, determined to reclaim glory after an “atrocious” loss earlier in the year, started strong. By the third round, the fight was a thrilling back-and-forth affair, with both competitors showcasing their elite skills.
However, the tides turned in the fourth round when Du Plessis unleashed a relentless barrage of strikes. Adesanya, though quick to clarify that he wasn’t rocked, found himself caught in a precarious submission hold that sealed his fate. The scorecards were split at the time of the stoppage, but Du Plessis left no room for doubt with his dominant finish.
Reflecting on the defeat, Adesanya remained gracious, admitting that Du Plessis was the better man on the night. “This is my first time being submitted. Another history. Wow, amazing,” he said, managing to find solace in his effort.
12. Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois fight
On an unforgettable night at Wembley Stadium, Daniel Dubois stunned the boxing world with a spectacular fifth-round knockout victory over Anthony Joshua. The clash, held before a record-breaking crowd of 96,000, saw the unpredictability that comes with the sport of boxing.
From the opening bell, Dubois made his intentions clear, rattling Joshua with a powerful right hand in the first round. The Watford-born former champion was visibly shaken but managed to survive the onslaught thanks to the bell. However, Dubois maintained relentless pressure in the second round, intent on finishing the job early.
By the third round, the fight was slipping further from Joshua’s grasp. He was floored again, his resilience on display as he barely made it through another punishing round. But Dubois’s momentum was unstoppable. In the fifth round, the younger fighter delivered a decisive blow, sending Joshua to the canvas for the final time. The referee stepped in to halt the bout, crowning Dubois the IBF heavyweight champion.
The victory was a career-defining moment for Dubois, who proclaimed himself a gladiator and vowed to continue his rise to boxing’s elite. “Are you not entertained?” he exclaimed, brimming with confidence and pride.
For Joshua, it was a night of heartbreak and introspection. Despite flashes of his trademark power, critics noted his timing seemed a fraction too slow.
The event was attended by icons like Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, adding to the grandeur of the occasion. As Nigeria celebrated its sports stars worldwide, Joshua’s loss in this bout marked another unforgettable chapter for Nigerian sports in 2024.
12 most expensive Nigerian transfers of 2024
Previously, TheRadar reported that the year 2024 witnessed a flurry of high-profile transfers involving Nigerian footballers, these signings by foreign clubs prove that Nigerian talents are very sought after in global football.
Among the standout deals was George Ilenikhena’s record-breaking move to AS Monaco, boosting his reputation as a fast-rising star. Established names like Chidozie Awaziem and William Troost-Ekong also made impactful moves to new clubs.
