Despite entering the Olympics with strong performances in qualifying events, Team Nigeria has returned home without a medal, marking a disappointing outcome similar to the London Games in 2012.
The country competed in 12 events but struggled to convert its continental success into Olympic victories.
A series of heartbreaking losses and administrative lapses contributed to the lackluster performance.
The outcome has sparked discussions on the need for improved preparation and support to enhance Nigeria's future Olympic prospects.
Nigeria’s poor showing in Paris was replicated in 1952 Helsinki, 1956 Melbourne, 1960 Rome, 1968 Mexico, 1980 Moscow, and 1988 Seoul where the country won no medal.
President Bola Tinubu had approved N12 billion for the country’s outing at the Olympics and the Paralympics. N9bn was earmarked for the former while N 3bn was budgeted for the latter.
Going into the Games, Team Nigeria had banked on tracks and field events, one of the country’s dominant areas, to rake in the medals.
Favour Ofili had made history as the first Nigerian since Atlanta 1996 to reach the semi-final of the 200m. Despite her season’s best of 22.05 seconds in the semi-finals, she could not make a podium finish.
In the 200m, Udodi Chudi Onwuzurike reached the semi-final while his compatriot Ezekiel Nathaniel also fell short in the 400m hurdles in the same stage.