Record-breaking feats of Nigerian athletes

Between 2023 and 2024, these Nigerians have shattered records and achieved extraordinary milestones across various sports, showcasing their talents on the global stage. From football and athletics to boxing and chess, these athletes have made history and brought pride to the nation with their remarkable performances, PETER AKINBO writes

Lookman – Hat-trick in European Cup Final

Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman etched his name into European football history by becoming the first player ever to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final. Lookman’s phenomenal performance propelled Atalanta to a resounding 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, securing their first major trophy in 61 years. His hat-trick was also the first by an African player in any European competition final.

Victor Osimhen – Serie A Top Scorer Award

Victor Osimhen made history by becoming the first African footballer to win the Serie A top scorer award, netting 26 league goals in the 2022/23 season. His goals helped Napoli secure the 2022/23 title, ending their 33-year wait for a league trophy.

Osimhen surpassed George Weah’s goal record to become the highest-scoring African in Serie A and he is now on 65 goals. The 24-year-old also won the Italian Footballers’ Association Player of the Year award and the African Player of The Year award, becoming the first Nigerian to win the latter since 1999.

Tobi Amusan – Diamond League Treble

Tobi Amusan faced a challenging 2023 season, dealing with doping allegations that nearly sidelined her from the World Athletics Championships. Cleared just three days before the competition, she finished sixth in the women’s 100m hurdles final.

However, Amusan redeemed herself by claiming her third consecutive Diamond League title later in the year. The 27-year-old had previously won the Diamond League trophy in 2021 and 2022, solidifying her status as one of the world’s top hurdlers.

Tunde Onakoya – Guinness Chess Record

Nigerian chess master Tunde Onakoya set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess session at Times Square, New York. Onakoya played chess for 60 hours, surpassing the previous record of 56 hours, nine minutes, and 37 seconds. His marathon session aimed to raise $1 million for underprivileged children’s education across Africa.

D’Tigress – Four Successive AfroBasket Titles

Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, continued their dominance by winning their fourth consecutive AfroBasket title in 2023. This remarkable achievement underscores their superiority in African women’s basketball and their growing influence on the global stage.

Rena Wakama also became the first female coach to win the competition since its inception in 1966.

Asisat Oshoala – Six CAF Awards

Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala was crowned the 2023 CAF Women’s Player of the Year, marking her sixth time winning the prestigious award. Oshoala’s latest triumph cemented her status as the most decorated African footballer in history, with previous wins in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022.

Elizabeth Oshoba – First Nigerian Female World-Title Holder

Elizabeth Oshoba made history by becoming the first female Nigerian boxer to win a world title. The 24-year-old claimed the World Boxing Council silver featherweight championship by knocking out Italy’s Michela Braga in the 10th round of their bout in Copenhagen, Denmark.

This victory solidified her perfect professional record and marked a significant milestone for Nigerian boxing.

Victor Boniface – Five Bundesliga Rookie of The Month Awards

Nigerian forward Victor Boniface has been a revelation in the Bundesliga, winning the Rookie of The Month award for five consecutive months from August to December last season.

His consistent performances have made him one of the standout young talents in German football as he also scooped the Rookie of The Season award as Leverkusen claimed the Bundeliga and German Cup titles.

Favour Ashe – First Nigerian to Run Sub-10 Five Times

Nigerian sprinter Favour Ashe became the first Nigerian to run sub-10 seconds in the 100m five times, achieving this feat in three consecutive years. Ashe’s latest record came at the NCAA East Prelims in the United States, where he clocked a personal best of 9.94 seconds. This performance is the fastest in the NCAA this year and the second fastest in the world.

The 22-year-old now has the highest sub-10 clockings in history by a Nigerian, having done it five times in his career, surpassing all-time greats like Davidson Ezinwa, Olapade Adeniken, Divine Oduduru, Deji Aliu and Olusoji Fasuba.

Taiwo Awoniyi – EPL Scoring Streak

Lasr season Taiwo Awoniyi became the first Nottingham Forest player to score in seven straight Premier League games, joining Mohammed Salah and Emmanuel Adebayor as the only Africans to achieve this feat.

His scoring streak is the longest by any Nigerian player in the English top-flight, surpassing Osaze Odemwingie’s record of five consecutive games.

Chukwuebuka Enekwechi – Shot Put Dominance

Chukwuebuka Enekwechi secured his fourth consecutive national shot put title in 2024 with a mark of 21.37m. Enekwechi achieved this impressive feat in just three attempts, reinforcing his dominance in the event.

Ronke Akanbi – 1500m Sensation

Ronke Akanbi, an SS3 student at Egbado College in Ilaro, delivered a stunning performance to win the women’s 1500m title at the 2024 National Olympic Trials. Her personal best time of 4:19.49 is the second fastest ever by a Nigerian woman, showcasing her potential as a future star in middle-distance running.