Accelerate Action: Honoring Nigeria’s Female Athletic Pioneers

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day under the theme ‘Accelerate Action,’ it is essential to reflect on the women who propelled Nigerian sports forward—breaking barriers and setting records against all odds. These female athletes set the foundation for excellence in track and field, paving the way for future generations.

Chioma Ajunwa

In 1996, Chioma Ajunwa became the first Nigerian to win Olympic gold, triumphing in the long jump event at the Atlanta Olympics.  

Mary Onyali

First Nigerian to compete in five Olympic Games (1988-2004), Mary Onyali was dominant in track and field, winning multiple African and Commonwealth Games medals. She proved that longevity in sports is achievable for Nigerian women despite systemic challenges.  

Falilat Ogunkoya 

In an era where Nigerian women in sprinting were still finding their footing on the global stage, Falilat Ogunkoya emerged as a game-changer. She became the first Nigerian woman to win an Olympic medal in sprinting, clinching bronze in the 400m at Atlanta 1996.  

Perpetua Nkwocha

Football in Nigeria was long male-dominated with little or no mention of the female game, but Perpetua Nkwocha ensured that women’s football received its due recognition. A four-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, she led the Super Falcons to multiple AFCON victories, making sure that Nigerian women’s football is just as powerful as its male counterpart.  

Modupe Oshikoya

A pioneer in Nigerian athletics, Modupe Oshikoya was a leader in the multi-event “heptathlon” in the 1970s. Winning gold at the 1974 Commonwealth Games, her influence helped shape the future of women’s athletics in Nigeria.

Despite the monumental growth since the 70s, Nigerian female athletes still often face numerous challenges, from lack of funding to societal stereotypes that often hinder their growth. 

To truly ‘Accelerate Action,’ stakeholders—including government bodies, sports federations, corporate sponsors, and the media—must take decisive steps to honor Nigerian female athletes who have already proven their worth.

Through their sacrifices and resilience, today’s stars, like Tobi Amusan, Asisat Oshoala, and Chiamaka Nnadozie, can build on the legacy of their predecessors and inspire future generations