Pick of the Week: The Paris Olympics 2024 drew to a spectacular close at the Stade de France, but not without leaving Team Nigeria pondering their worst performance since London 2012. In stark contrast, Team USA dominated the games, leaving an indelible mark. Manchester City sent a clear message that they’re the team to beat, clinching the curtain-raiser game with finesse. Edo Queens made a triumphant debut in the CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers.
The Paris 2024 games came to a spectacular close with a dazzling closing ceremony at the Stade de France, marking the end of two unforgettable weeks of sporting excellence. The sold-out crowd of 78,000 was treated to a kaleidoscope of colours, mesmerizing fireworks, and electrifying performances.
IOC President Thomas Bach and Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet took to the stage to deliver heartfelt speeches, reflecting on the triumphs and memories forged during the games.
The evening’s entertainment was nothing short of phenomenal, featuring A-list performances by Tom Cruise, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. The grand finale saw the Olympic flag handed over to Los Angeles 2028, signalling the countdown to the next edition.
In a poignant moment, French swimming sensation Leon Marchand extinguished the Olympic flame, bringing the 33rd Summer Olympics to a close. As the curtain fell on Paris 2024, the world bid farewell to an unforgettable celebration of sports, unity, and human achievement.
The curtain has fallen on Team Nigeria’s journey at the Paris Olympics 2024, concluding a campaign that, despite its valiant efforts, ultimately ended without a medal. This marks the country’s most disappointing Olympic performance since London 2012.
The D’Tigress, Nigeria’s female basketball team, put up a fierce fight but ultimately succumbed to the mighty USA team in the quarter-finals, losing 74-88. Although their Olympic dreams were dashed, the team’s impressive run has earned them widespread admiration from Nigerians, who praised their remarkable performance.
In a heartwarming turn of events, Coach Rena Wakama received a well-deserved accolade, being named the best coach of the Olympics 2024. This recognition acknowledges her outstanding leadership and the team’s historic achievement as the first African country to reach the quarter-finals.
Though the Olympics may not have yielded a medal, Team Nigeria’s unwavering spirit and the D’Tigress’s trailblazing success have inspired a nation and left an indelible mark on the world stage. Nigeria’s Olympic dreams were dealt a series of blows as several athletes narrowly missed out on medals and finals spots.
Folashade Rafiatu’s impressive weightlifting performance earned her a 5th-place finish in the women’s 59kg category, just shy of the podium.
In canoeing, Ayomide Bello and Beauty Otuedo faced tough competition, finishing 6th and 8th, respectively, in their events.
Odunayo Adekurouye’s wrestling match against Kexin Hong was a nail-biter, but she ultimately lost 10-8 in the quarter-finals.
On the track, Nigeria’s Edos Ibadin finished 7th in the 800m repechage heat, while the men’s 4x100m quartet and women’s 4x100m quartet both missed out on finals spots, despite season-best times.
Ese Brume’s long jump performance was a highlight, but she finished 5th with a mark of 6.70m.
The men’s 4x400m quartet showed promise, qualifying for the finals before being disqualified for a technical error.
And in a heart-wrenching turn of events, Tobi Amusan missed out on a spot in the 100m hurdles finals by just one place, finishing 9th overall in the semi-finals.
Despite the setbacks, Nigeria’s athletes showed remarkable talent and determination, leaving fans proud and eager for more.
Spain’s football dynasty continued to reign supreme as they edged past France 5-3 in an electrifying Olympic men’s gold medal match. This triumph follows their European Championship win over England and their U19 European title last month. The Spanish women’s national team also won the World Cup last year.
Meanwhile, Emma Hayes led Team USA to Olympic gold in her debut tournament, thanks to Mallorca Swanson’s decisive second-half finish against Brazil.
In basketball, the US men’s team claimed their fifth consecutive gold medal, defeating host France 98-87 in a thrilling match. Serbia, led by Nikola Jokic, secured the bronze medal.
Team USA women’s basketball team made history with their eighth straight medal and tenth Olympic gold, narrowly beating France 67-66. A’ja Wilson was named MVP. Australia’s Opals won their seventh medal, defeating Belgium 85-81 for bronze.
In other news, Manchester City triumphed over Manchester United in the Community Shield Cup, winning 7-6 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Alejandro Garnacho’s late goal was cancelled out by Bernardo Silva’s equalizer.
Edo Queens made a stunning debut in the CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers, thrashing AS Garde National FC 5-0 in a one-sided encounter. The Nigerian representatives announced their arrival on the continental stage with a resounding victory.
Emem Essien broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, setting the tone for a dominant display. Captain Suliat Abideen doubled the lead from the penalty spot just after halftime, putting Edo Queens firmly in control.
The second half saw the floodgates open, with Moses Esther, Blessing Iliviade, and Joy Jerry all finding the back of the net. Edo Queens’ impressive win sets them up for a mouth-watering clash against Hasaacas Ladies on Wednesday in their second group match.
Finally, Nigerian football club Heartland FC unveiled Emmanuel Amuneke, former Super Eagles assistant coach, as their new head coach ahead of the NPFL 2024/25 season.