National Sports Commission (NSC) commemorates the 29th anniversary of Nigeria’s Olympic football team, which astounded the world by securing Africa’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in men’s football.
On August 3, 1996, the Olympic Eagles, captained by the legendary Nwankwo Kanu, triumphed over a formidable Argentina side with a dramatic 3-2 victory in the final, held at the Sanford Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Nigeria’s journey to glory was marked by resilience, talent, and steadfast belief. The team famously came from behind to defeat Brazil 4-3 in the semi-finals before clinching a thrilling 3-2 victory against Argentina in the final—two heavyweight football nations—cementing Nigeria’s place in the annals of global football history.
“This was a moment that redefined African football,” chairman of the National Sports Commission Shehu Dikko stated in a press release made available to journalists yesterday by Kola Daniel SA media, office of the director general, NSC. “Today, we celebrate the icons of the 1996 Olympic Games, who not only brought glory to Nigeria but also inspired an entire continent with their courage and brilliance on the world stage.”
That same year, Chioma Ajunwa made history by winning gold in the women’s long jump.
With a remarkable leap of 7.12 metres, she became the first Black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event, and continues to serve as a beacon of inspiration for generations of athletes.
Bukola Olopade, director general of the NSC, remarked that “Atlanta ’96 was a defining chapter in Nigeria’s sporting legacy. Chioma Ajunwa and our football heroes gifted us with unforgettable memories that still ignite national pride today. As our women’s basketball team prepares to face Mali in the AfroBasket final, we aspire to replicate that double glory and uphold our tradition of sporting excellence.”
The NSC praises the heroes of 1996 for elevating Nigeria and Africa to global recognition and encourages the new generation of athletes to draw inspiration from their groundbreaking achievements.
