The year was far from what a number of people expected. The bane from the novel coronavirus affected several industries across the country, including the sporting fraternity.
Despite the disruption of quite a few sporting schedules, a number of Nigerians in the country and diaspora performed exceptionally well in their various sporting disciplines.
From boxing, table tennis to football, these athletes have impacted and changed the face of sports in the year 2020.
Anthony Joshua
British born Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua definitely had a good 2020. Despite the defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019, the two-time unified heavyweight champion bounced back, beating Kubarat Pulev early this month in a spiteful and vicious performance.
A mouth-watering bout with Tyson Fury could be on the books next year.
Asisat Oshoala
No doubt that Asisat Oshoala has become a huge sporting force in the country this year.
Born in 1994, her impressive showing at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and subsequently with the Super Falcons in the African Women’s Championship in the same year set her up to be a rising star.
She is currently a permanent fixture in Barcelona’s starting XI. Prior to that, she laced her boot for Liverpool and Chinese club Dalian Quanjian F.C.
Toriola needs no introduction! The tennis veteran, until the coronavirus would have qualified for his eight Olympic games, becoming the first African to do so.
Born in September 1974 in Ilorin, Toriola won multiple medals in international singles tournaments. Some of his important achievements are:
- 4 African Table Tennis Singles Championships (1998, 2002, 2004, 2006) and 2 Doubles Championships (1994,1992)
- A Commonwealth Singles Championship (2002) in Manchester (United Kingdom)
- A Commonwealth Doubles Championship and Singles Bronze Medal (2006) in Melbourne (Australia)
- 4 All-Africa Games Singles Gold Medals (1995, 1999, 2003, 2007).
- 4 Doubles Gold Medals (1995, 1999, 2003, 2007)
- 1 Mixed Doubles Gold Medal (1999, with Bose Kaffo; they also won silver in 2003), and 3 Team Gold Medals (1995, 1999, 2003).
2020 is one-year Osimhen won't forget in a hurry. The young center forward grew up the ranks to become one of the most sought after African players.
Several impressive stints across Europe landed him a big-money move to Napoli.
Despite his injuries, Super Eagles defensive player, Wilfred Ndidi became an instrumental player for his club side, Leicester City.
Known for his dashing run, power, and long-range strikes, he starred in his side’s impressive victory over Mourihno’s Tottenham.
Speaking in recent interviews, Ndidi says he aims to have a similar football academy in Nigeria like the Aspire Academy in Qatar.
Wilfred Ndidi
Despite his injuries, Super Eagles defensive player, Wilfred Ndidi became an instrumental player for his club side, Leicester City.
Known for his dashing run, power, and long-range strikes, he starred in his side’s impressive victory over Mourihno’s Tottenham.
Speaking in recent interviews, Ndidi says he aims to have a similar football academy in Nigeria like the Aspire Academy in Qatar.
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