Medal expectation (between two and five medals)

1. 100m hurdles Women – Tobi Amusan 

The world record holder and former world champion has raced sparsely  over the past few months, but she has shown enough in those few races that she is in contention for gold in Paris.  Her path may be easier given the non-qualification of experienced Americans Nia Ali and Kenny Harrison, but it is still a very tough field with two times world champion, Danielle Williams,  defending Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, and world indoor record holder Devynne Charlton will be there.  There are also a handful of very talented young Americans including Masai Russell and Alaysha Johnson, that kept Ali and Harrison off the same. 

However,  Tobi is in strong contention for a medal and remains one of the favourites for gold. She is also Nigeria’s leading prospect for a medal in Paris. Tobi Amusan will be hoping to put that performance behind her as she looks forward to winning her first Olympic Gold medal, having excelled in other athletic competitions at peak level.

2. Men’s Sprints (Udodi Onwuzurike, Kanyinsola Ajayi, Godson Oghenebrumhe, Favour Ashe, Usheoritshe Itsekiri) 

This is the best pool of male sprinters Nigeria has ever had, but this will also be the most competitive men’s Olympic sprints event ever. Noah Lyles, Kenny Bednarek, Fred Kerley, Erriyon Knighton, Andre de Grasse, Joseph Fanbulleh, Kishane Thompson and Brandon Jacobs are all putting up times that would have been in world record territory pre Usain Bolt. 

.

One or two from the Nigerian group (possibly Onwuzurike or Ajayi) will replicate Enoch Adegoke’s performance in Tokyo 2020 and qualify for the Olympic final., and once you’re in there, a medal is always a possibility. It might take a personal best from one of these rising stars though. 

The best prospect is however in the men’s 100M relay, and this group has more than enough to bring home a medal and hold its own in a tough field of the Americans, Jamaicans, Italians and Japanese. 

3. Other Women’s Athletics  (Long jump and Sprints) – Ese Brume, Ruth Usoro, Favour Ofili

Ese Brume and Ruth Usoro may be a little past their prime and are not ranked in the top 10 of the long jump in 2024. They are however still world class athletes that can compete at the highest levels, and both should make the finals. 

They’ll however need to jump better than they’ve done over the past year, as it will likely take a jump of at least 7.20 to get a medal in Paris, and neither one has jumped over 6.90 in the recent past. 

Favour Ofili has been in excellent form leading up to the Olympics and will have will have multiple opportunities in the sprints and the 100m relays. Nigeria’s prospect for a relay medal will be much brighter if Favour Ofili and Tobi Amusan do a reprise of their performance from the commonwealth games on the relay team.

4. Women’s Basketball

The Women’s Basketball team has been making study progress over the last decade, and placed 8th in the FIBA World Cup in 2018. However, the usual maladministration derailed that progress, and the team had to pull out of the most recent World Cup after qualifying. 

The relatively poor administration has also prevented the team from getting several eligible WNBA players. Notwithstanding, Coach Rena Wakama’s team recently won its 4th straight Afrobasket title and has overcome enough adversity to make a run to the medal rounds in Paris. 

5. Weightlifting, Martial Arts, and Other Sports

David Izonritei, Richard Igbenegu, Chika Chukwumerije brought back unexpected medals from past Olympics in the fighting events. The same thing may happen in Paris, but don’t hold out too much hope for this. 

Honourable mentions:

Women’s football – Falcons

The Falcons played like a top 10 side in the last women’s world cup, but that may not be enough in Paris, as the team is grouped with Spain and Japan, who are definitely top five sides globally, and may be ranked by some as the top two sides. 

The game against Brazil is a must win for the Falcons to have any hope of advancing from the group. 

Men’s 400 metres relays and mixed relays. 

The absence of Emmanuel Bamidele  has greatly diminished Nigeria’s prospects in the individual  and relay 400m events.  however the team could still make the final in one or both of the relay (men and mixed) events and a medal though unlikely, is not an impossibility. 

The race was a nail-biter, with Onwuzurike narrowly defeating American contenders Kendal Williams, who finished a close second with a time of 10.25 seconds, and Pjai Austin, who took third place with 10.26 seconds. The victory marks a significant milestone for Onwuzurike as he continues to make his mark in the world of athletics.

Meanwhile, fellow Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili also made headlines with her remarkable win in the women’s 100m event at the same event. Ofili clocked an impressive 11.18 seconds, outpacing a competitive field that included none other than Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica.

The victory is a testament to Ofili’s rising star in track and field, as she now sets her sights on securing a place at the upcoming national Olympics trials. Her performance at the Grand Prix has not only secured her a win but also placed her as a strong contender for future international competitions.

Onwuzurike and Ofili’s triumphs at the Grand Prix is not just a personal achievement but also a proud moment for Nigeria, highlighting the country’s growing presence on the global sports stage. Their performances have sparked excitement and anticipation for their future endeavors in track and field.

Also, world record hurdler Tobi Amusan demonstrated her competitive spirit at the New York Grand Prix, securing a third-place finish in the women’s 100m hurdles. Despite a challenging start, Amusan showed resilience, completing the race with a time of 12.66 seconds.

Tobi Amusan will be hoping to put that performance behind her as she looks forward to winning her first Olympic Gold medal, having excelled in other athletic competitions at peak level.

Olu Fashanu’s name was one of the most anticipated calls during the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Penn State offensive tackle lived up to the hype, being selected by the New York Jets with the 11th overall pick. Fashanu’s collegiate career was decorated with impressive accolades. Throughout his 29 games at Penn State, he displayed exceptional blocking skills, only allowing a single sack. This defensive dominance wasn’t overlooked, and it even earned him the prestigious title of Penn State’s team MVP in 2023. The Jets, recognizing Fashanu’s potential to be a cornerstone of their offensive line, wasted no time in securing his talent. Analysts believe Fashanu has the potential to make an immediate impact on the Jets’ offensive unit, protecting their quarterback and creating space for running backs. His arrival is a significant step towards building a stronger offensive line for the Jets, hopefully leading to a more competitive future.

The match’s turning point unfolded in the 55th minute when Ousmane Diomande’s challenge on Victor Osimhen in the box led to a penalty decision. Captain William Troost-Ekong stepped up and confidently blasted the ball into the net, securing the game’s lone goal.

The match, played on a dry pitch at the newly-built stadium, showcased a solid defensive performance by the Super Eagles, denying the Ivorian attackers clear chances. Despite the raucous home crowd’s support, Ivory Coast failed to breach the resilient Nigerian defence.

The encounter witnessed few clear opportunities, with Osimhen missing an early chance for Nigeria in the eighth minute. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a crucial point-blank save from Christian Kouame shortly after, maintaining the deadlock in the first half.

VAR technology played a decisive role in the second half, overturning the initial decision and awarding Nigeria the penalty that led to their victory. Troost-Ekong’s powerful penalty marked Nigeria’s ascendancy to second place in Group A, trailing leaders Equatorial Guinea on head-to-head record.

The defeat for Ivory Coast, their first against Nigeria on home soil, adds pressure to their campaign. With three points after two games, the Ivorians must secure a win against Equatorial Guinea on Monday to guarantee progression to the knockout stage.

With four points, Nigeria is positioned favourably for advancement and will face Guinea-Bissau in their final Group A fixture on January 22. The victory against Ivory Coast also ended Nigeria’s four-game winless streak, offering a boost to coach Jose Peseiro’s side.

In the post-match analysis, Peseiro expressed satisfaction with his team’s strategy, highlighting their deserving win. The Super Eagles’ solid defensive display and the decisive penalty mark a significant moment in their quest for success in the 2023 AFCON.

The focus now shifts to the remaining group-stage fixtures, as teams jostle for positions in the knockout stages of Africa’s premier football tournament. Nigeria’s next match is against Guinea-Bissau on Monday, January 22.

Playing at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara, the Nigerians started off brightly, dominating proceedings early on. Several missed chances, however, proved costly as Equatorial Guinea gradually grew into the game.

The deadlock was broken in the 37th minute when Equatorial Guinean striker Iban Salvador clinically finished past Super Eagles goalkeeper and surprise starter Stanley Nwabali.

Shell-shocked, Nigeria responded almost immediately through striker Victor Osimhen, who headed in an equaliser two minutes later off a cross from Ademola Lookman.

The second half saw both teams scrap for the winner, but several glaring misses, especially from Osimhen, meant the scores remained level at the final whistle.

Speaking after the match, Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro rued the missed opportunities while praising the resilience of his boys. “We did everything to win, we created many and clear opportunities, and we simply deserved to win,” he said. 

Nigeria faces hosts Ivory Coast next on Thursday by 6:00 PM (Nigerian time), while Equatorial Guinea battles Guinea-Bissau.

1. Mohamed Amoura (Algeria, 23)

Algeria’s prodigious talent, Mohamed Amoura, has rapidly risen through the ranks, earning 19 caps since his debut in 2021. The Union SG forward has been in scintillating form in the Belgian Pro League, netting an impressive 13 goals in just 14 league appearances this season. As Premier League clubs circle for his signature, Amoura’s flair and goal-scoring prowess make him a player to watch.

2. Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco, 23)

A standout performer in Morocco’s historic journey to the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, Azzedine Ounahi has garnered attention for his impressive skills. The Marseille midfielder caught the eye of Spanish manager Luis Enrique, demonstrating his ability to shine on the international stage. After overcoming a premature end to his previous season, Ounahi is ready to be a key figure for Morocco at AFCON 2024.

3. Mohammed Kudus (Ghana, 23)

Ghana’s midfield maestro, Mohammed Kudus, has been a consistent performer since joining the national team in 2019. The Ghana Football Awards Footballer of the Year for 2023 and a CAF Team of the Year member, Kudus brings both skill and accolades to the pitch. His 30 appearances for Ghana reflect his experience, and he is set to play a pivotal role in Ghana’s AFCON campaign.

4. Issa Kabore (Burkina Faso, 22)

A defensive stalwart and the Best Young Player at the 2021 AFCON, Issa Kabore, has continued to impress at Luton Town. With 30 caps for Burkina Faso, Kabore’s solid defensive skills will be crucial for his team’s success. His experience and maturity at a young age make him a formidable force to contend with.

5. Nicholas Jackson (Senegal, 22)

Chelsea’s rising star, Nicholas Jackson, has been a goal-scoring sensation, notching seven goals this season. His standout performance, including a hat-trick against Tottenham, showcases his exciting potential. As one of Chelsea’s most promising young players, Jackson’s attacking flair will add a dynamic element to Senegal’s offensive strategy.

6. Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal, 21)

The CAF 2022 Youth Player of the Year has been fantastic for Premier League side Tottenham over the past couple of years. He was also part of the Senegal side that won the previous edition of the AFCON in 2021. The youngster’s presence in Ivory Coast was previously in doubt following a recent injury but he was passed fit and fans are excited to see what he will offer on the continental stage this time.

7. Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Morocco, 21)

Dubbed “Ez Abde,” Ezzalzouli played a pivotal role in Morocco’s U-23 AFCON triumph in 2023. His Golden Boot and Team of the Tournament recognition underline his attacking prowess. As a young talent on the rise, Ezzalzouli adds depth and skill to Morocco’s squad.

8. Lamine Camara (Senegal, 20)

Drawing comparisons to midfield maestros like N’Golo Kante and Sergio Busquets, Lamine Camara is a player with a bright future. Winning the U-20 AFCON with Senegal and being named the CAF Awards Young Player of the Year in 2023, Camara’s ability to control the midfield will be vital for Senegal’s AFCON campaign.

9. Dango Ouattara (Burkina Faso, 21)

A regular for Bournemouth in the Premier League, Dango Ouattara may have missed out on the CAF Awards, but his consistent performances in one of the toughest leagues in the world speak volumes. Ouattara’s experience at a high level makes him a valuable asset for Burkina Faso.

10. Ernest Nuamah (Ghana, 20)

Lauded in the Danish league, Ernest Nuamah’s achievements, including Young Player and Player of the Year awards, have set the stage for success. Currently on loan at Lyon in Ligue 1, Nuamah’s versatile skills make him a player to watch as he represents Ghana on the continental stage. He has been dubbed the next Michael Essien, and he will be looking to live up to that reputation at AFCON 2024.