Nigerian Athletes Who Won Olympic Medals for Different Countries

The Paris 2024 Olympics closed its curtains with a mix of triumphs and disappointments. As Nigeria’s athletes faced another medal-less return, their eighth such outcome, a different narrative unfolded for athletes of Nigerian descent representing other nations. 

Here are Nigerian-born athletes who appeared at the Olympics under foreign flags, highlighting a blend of heritage and international allegiance.

Salwa Eid Naser

Salwa Eid Naser, born Ebelechukwu Agbapuonwu in Nigeria, emerged as a symbol of cross-cultural triumph. Representing Bahrain, she clinched a silver medal in the 400-meter women’s event, showcasing her athletic prowess on the global stage.

Naser’s journey began at school sports events in Nigeria, but her athletic destiny unfolded far from her birthplace after moving to Bahrain at 15. Her success is a tale of early promise realized through international opportunities.

Yemisi Ogunleye

Yemisi Ogunleye, who won gold in the shot put, is a unique blend of Nigerian and German heritage. Born in Germany to a Nigerian father and a European mother, Ogunleye has always embraced her mixed heritage.

Her victory in Paris was not just a win for Germany but a celebration of her dual identity. Her achievement marked the first Olympic shot put gold for Germany since 1996, bringing pride to both her home and ancestral countries.

Annette Echikunwoke

Annette Echikunwoke had hoped to represent Nigeria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, but bureaucratic oversights led her to switch allegiance to the United States.

Her decision bore fruit in Paris, where she won a historic silver medal in the hammer throw—the first for an American woman in this category. Echikunwoke’s story is one of resilience and adaptation, finding success amidst challenging circumstances and changing loyalties.

Samuel Omorodion

Samuel Omorodion, a striker with deep Nigerian roots, was instrumental in Spain’s gold medal win in men’s football. Although he missed the final game due to club commitments, his contributions throughout the tournament were crucial.

Born in Spain to Nigerian parents, Omorodion’s success is a testament to the global nature of sport and identity, where national pride and personal heritage blend seamlessly on the world stage.