The year 2023 was nothing short of a rollercoaster for Nigerian sports. It was a year marked by incredible comebacks, emotional wins, shattered records, and flashes of brilliance that defied the odds. Despite administrative challenges and missed opportunities, Nigerian athletes pushed boundaries, inspired millions, and gave the nation moments of genuine pride.
Here are seven unforgettable highlights from Nigeria’s sporting journey in 2023.
D’Tigress: Reigning Queens of African Basketball
Nigerian women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, reaffirmed their dominance on the African stage by clinching their fourth consecutive FIBA Afrobasket title. The triumph was all the more significant given the off-court challenges, including being denied participation in the World Cup due to administrative hiccups.
From ending a 12-year title drought in 2017 to now securing victories in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023, the D’Tigress have etched their names in history. They are now only the second team after Senegal to win four consecutive Afrobasket titles, underscoring their enduring excellence in the sport.
Tobi Amusan: The Resilient Hurdles Queen
Despite a turbulent year clouded by doping allegations that kept her from defending her World Championship title in Budapest, Tobi Amusan bounced back like a true champion. Against all odds, she stormed to victory at the 2023 Diamond League Final in Eugene, Oregon, securing her third consecutive 100m hurdles title.
Her triumphant performance placed her in elite company, becoming only the second woman in history, after Dawn Nelson-Harper, to achieve a hat-trick in the 100m hurdles at the Diamond League. Amusan’s defiant comeback resonated deeply, serving as a powerful narrative of resilience and grace under pressure.
Super Falcons Win Hearts at the Women’s World Cup
Drawn into the tournament’s so-called “Group of Death,” the Super Falcons defied expectations at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Though their journey ended in the Round of 16, their fierce competitiveness, technical growth, and emotional display won over global audiences.
Their performance ignited renewed passion for women’s football in Nigeria and highlighted the team’s potential to contend with the world’s best when given proper support.
Chioma Onyekwere’s Historic Discus Throw
In one of the year’s most jaw-dropping moments, Chioma Onyekwere shattered the African record in the women’s Discus Throw, with an astounding 64.96-meter throw.
This achievement didn’t just place her among the global elite in field events—it also inspired hope for a new era of Nigerian athletes excelling in track and field disciplines traditionally dominated by other nations.
Cricket’s Quiet Rise: A Double Victory
2023 brought unexpected joy to Nigerian cricket fans. The Female Yellow Greens clinched the NCF T20i tournament, while the men’s team lifted the West Africa Trophy.
Adding to the excitement, Nigeria played host to the ICC 2023 Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour, an event that marked the country’s growing relevance on the international cricket scene.
These victories signaled a promising future for the sport in Nigeria, where cricket is slowly carving out a solid foundation among grassroots players and fans alike.
CAF Awards Glory: Nigeria Dominates African Football
Nigerian football stars stole the show at the 2023 CAF Awards held in Morocco, asserting the country’s football pedigree on the continent:
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Victor Osimhen ended Nigeria’s 24-year drought by winning CAF Player of the Year, becoming the first Nigerian to achieve the honour since Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.
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Asisat Oshoala claimed her record-extending sixth African Women’s Player of the Year award, solidifying her status as a living legend.
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Chiamaka Nnadozie was named Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, further showcasing Nigeria’s depth in women’s football.
Although Nigeria didn’t win the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON), the Super Falcons’ consistent performances and global ranking ensured their continued recognition as continental powerhouses.
Beyond the Podium: Stories That Inspired
The year wasn’t solely about silverware. Across disciplines like handball, volleyball, wrestling, and boxing, Nigerian athletes showed grit, perseverance, and growth.
These lesser-publicized achievements painted a broader picture of progress in Nigerian sports—where emerging talents are pushing past limitations, even in the face of systemic challenges.
Looking Ahead: Eyes on 2024
As 2023 draws to a close, Nigerian sports can look back with a sense of pride and optimism. Despite numerous hurdles, athletes across various fields gave their best—and in many cases, their all—to uplift the nation.
With 2024 promising a loaded sporting calendar, including the Paris Olympics, expectations are high. The groundwork has been laid. What remains is sustained investment, structural reforms, and continued support for Nigeria’s heroes and sheroes who continue to inspire beyond the stadiums.
