In the dynamic landscape of Nigerian sports, 2023 proved to be a year of pivotal moments, triumphs, and challenges. As we reflect on the past 12 months, this feature delves into the top eight events that left an indelible mark on the nation’s sporting arena.From groundbreaking achievements to unforeseen setbacks. LEADERDHIP Sunday revisits the moments that defined and shaped Nigerian sports in 2023.
Super Eagles Qualification For 2023 AFCON
After putting up an underwhelming performance at the 2022 African Cup of Nations, Nigeria’s Super Eagles booked their place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a comprehensive 6-0 win over Sao Tome and Principe in Uyo.The Eagles led the group with 15 points from six matches.
The three-time African champions have been drawn against hosts Cote d’Ivoire in Group A of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Other teams in the Super Eagles group for the competition are Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea.
Tobi Amusan’s AIU Suspension
In 2022,Nigerian sprint queen Tobi Amusan was celebrated as one of the best athletes of the year, little wonder most Nigerians and fans of track and field events were taken aback when the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), took the decision to provisionally suspend Tobi Amusan, for three missed whereabouts failures.
The suspension was announced after it was discovered that Amusan had missed three drug tests within a 12-month period. This charge could result in a two-year suspension, even if an athlete has never failed a drug test.In a statement on Twitter, the AIU said the charge will be heard by the Disciplinary Tribunal and determined before the World Athletics Championships.
The Athletics Integrity Unity (AIU),later cleared Tobi Amusan of anti-doping rule violation. However, Brett Clothier, head of AIU, said the body will review the reasoning in detail and decide whether to exercise its right of appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within the applicable deadline.
AIU Ban of Grace Nwokocha and Divine Oduduru for doping.
One of the low moments of Nigerian sports in 2023,was the AIU ban on Nigerian athletes duo of Grace Nwokocha and Divine Oduduru respectively.The disciplinary tribunal of the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) handed Oduduru, a six-year ban for breaching two anti-doping rules.
The athlete got a four-year ban for the possession of prohibited substances and the attempted use of a prohibited substance and an additional two years for “aggravating circumstances”. He was also ordered to pay $3000 to the World Athletics for its expenses regarding the case.Grace Nwokocha, got a three-year ban for using prohibited substances.In the document released by AIU, Nwokocha admitted to violating World Athletics (WA) anti-doping rules. She also accepted the penalty for the breach.
Poor Showing of Team Nigeria At The 2023 World Athletics Championship in Budapest
The 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest marked a profoundly disappointing competition for Nigeria’s team, who failed to win any medals and struggled mightily in their respective events.
Out of the 25 athletes, comprising 11 male and 15 female athletes, only two managed to reach event finals, with none finishing in the top three of their disciplines.The subpar performance of Nigeria’s team in Budapest represented a striking contrast to more fruitful outings at the 2022 World Athletics Championship in Oregon, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games,where the country contended favourably for medals.
D’ Tigress Win Fourth Straight Afrobasket Title
One of the high points of Nigerian sports in 2023 came when Nigeria’s female national basketball team D’Tigress, won the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket championship,for a record fourth time in a row.D’Tigress defeated Senegal 84-74 in Kigali, Rwanda to etch their names in Nigerian basketball folklore.
Nigeria became the second side, after Senegal (1974 to 1981), to have won the championship four times in a row. They now have six titles.Rena Wakama also became the first female coach to win the competition since its inception in 1966.The historic feat also earned the team the 2023 LEADERSHIP Sports Personality of the Year Award.
Super Falcons Impressive Run At The 2023 WWC
Nigeria left their mark on the global tournament despite crashing out in the Round of 16. The players’ unshakable belief as a team helped them through a group that contained hosts Australia and Olympic champions Canada, to set up a last-16 tie with England in Brisbane.
Their memorable display at the Mundial has been praised by football lovers both local and abroad, and among them was Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who praised the “unbreakable spirit” and “unwavering strength” when hosting the team members and officials at the Presidential Villa in Abuja before announcing an unprecedented reward for the team.
Appointment of Senator John Owan Enoh As Nigeria’s 36th Sports Minister
The year 2023, saw a change of guard at the Sports Ministry,as senator John Owan Enoh, was named as the 36th Sports Minister of Nigeria.The new sports minister was a senator representing the Central Senatorial District of Cross River State in the 8th assembly that ran from 2015 to 2019.
While some stakeholders were a bit skeptical about his appointment.Senator Enoh’s commitment to sports over the years has been demonstrated through his advocacy, initiatives, and involvement in sports-related matters. This proves that he possesses the dedication and insight needed to drive the growth of the sector.
In his role as the Minister of Sports Development, Senator Enoh is expected to leverage his extensive experience in politics, community development, and his love for sports to uplift Nigeria’s sports sector.
Nigeria’s Good Showing At 2023 CAF Awards
For many Nigerians, the country’s good showing at the 2023 CAF Awards was the icing on the cake for Nigerian sports in 2023.Nigeria’s exceptional performance at the 2023 CAF Awards showcased the nation’s football prowess.
Victor Osimhen was crowned African Footballer of The Year, while Asisat Oshoala, won African Women’s Footballer of the Year for the six time. The Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award went to Super Falcons Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Also, Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated the reigning African champions South Africa and Morocco to win the Women’s National Team of the Year. Nigeria’s football talent was celebrated on the continental stage, reflecting the country’s commitment to sporting excellence. The awards served as a testament to the dedication and skill of Nigerian footballers, highlighting their positive impact on the African football landscape.