This year, on International Women’s Day, it is important to recognize the progress made by Nigerian women in the world of sports. Despite facing many obstacles, such as limited access to training, funding, and resources in a male-dominated field, Nigerian women have achieved tremendous success in a variety of sports.
In football, Asisat Oshoala is one of the most famous Nigerian players in the world. She was the first Nigerian to claim the African Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2014 and the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2015. She has since gone on to become an ambassador for the Nigerian Women’s Football League and a role model for young Nigerian women aiming to get into the sport.
In athletics, Blessing Okagbare is one of the most successful female athletes from Nigeria. She is the current African record holder for the long jump, and is a two-time Commonwealth champion. She has also won two African Championships gold medals and two Olympic silver medals, making her one of the most decorated female athletes from the country.
In basketball, Adaora Elonu is one of the most successful Nigerian players. She was the first Nigerian to be drafted into the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) in 2013, and has since become an integral part of the Nigerian women’s national basketball team. She has also been a part of the Nigerian Women’s Basketball League, helping to bring prominence to the sport in the country.
In boxing, Efe Ajagba is a current world heavyweight champion and the first Nigerian to win the prestigious IBF belt. She has been praised for her courage and resilience in the ring and for inspiring other Nigerian women to pursue the sport.
Finally, in tennis, Ngozi Osuji is one of the most successful female tennis players from Nigeria. She is the first Nigerian to win a Grand Slam title, the French Open in 2017, and is currently the highest-ranked player in the WTA Tour.
These women have broken down barriers and have made a name for themselves in the world of sports. They are an example of the progress that Nigerian women have made in the field of sports, and a reminder of the potential of Nigerian women to achieve greatness in any and all fields.
