African Games: Team Nigeria finishes second on medals table

Nigeria had an impressive outing at the recently concluded 13th African Games in Ghana, finishing in second place on the medals table. The Nigerian contingent amassed a total of 120 medals, comprising 47 gold, 33 silver, and 40 bronze medals across 25 sports.

Weightlifting emerged as Nigeria’s most successful discipline, contributing a staggering 32 medals to the team’s tally, including 16 gold, 10 silver, and six bronze medals. Athletics, another traditional stronghold for Nigeria, yielded 22 medals, further bolstering the country’s overall performance.

Several Nigerian athletes etched their names in the annals of the Games’ history. Tobi Amusan, the reigning world champion in the 100m hurdles, claimed her third consecutive African Games gold medal in the event and anchored the women’s 4x100m relay team to victory. Ese Brume defended her long jump title, while Chukwuebuka Enekwechi reigned supreme in the men’s shot put.

The wrestling contingent also excelled, with Blessing Oborududu and Odunayo Adekuoroye leading the charge as Nigeria garnered 11 medals in the sport. Boxing provided another highlight, with Team Nigeria securing an impressive eight gold medals in a single day. Arm wrestling contributed 13 medals to Nigeria’s overall haul.

Egypt topped the medals table with a remarkable 189 medals, including 101 gold, 46 silver, and 42 bronze. South Africa finished third with 106 medals, comprising 32 gold, 32 silver, and 42 bronze medals. Algeria and Tunisia rounded out the top five nations in the overall medal standings. The next edition of the African Games is scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt, in 2027.