Twenty-nine years after the historic Atlanta 96 Olympics, where Nigeria won two gold medals, the National Sports Commission (NSC), yesterday, rolled out drums to celebrate the feat.
 
Nigeria’s Olympic football team stunned the world to clinch Africa’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in men’s football on August 3, 1996, just as golden girl, Chioma Ajunwa, captured gold in the women’s long jump.
 
The Olympic Eagles, captained by the legendary Nwankwo Kanu, defeated a star-studded Argentina side 3-2 in a dramatic final at the Sanfid Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
  
Nigeria’s road to glory was paved with resilience, talent, and unyielding belief. The team famously came from behind to beat Brazil 4-3 in the semi-final and went on to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Argentina in the final- two football powerhouses, cementing Nigeria’s place in global football history.
 
“This was a moment that redefined African football,” chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said yesterday.
  
“Today, we celebrate these icons from the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, who not only brought glory to Nigeria, but also inspired an entire continent with their courage and brilliance on the world stage.”
 
At that same Olympic Games, Chioma Ajunwa etched her name in history books by winning gold in the women’s long jump. With an astonishing leap of 7.12 metres, she became the first Black African woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event, and remains a symbol of inspiration for generations of athletes.
  
On his part, Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, said: “Atlanta ‘96 was a defining chapter in Nigeria’s sporting legacy. Chioma Ajunwa and our football heroes gave us unforgettable memories that still ignite national pride today. As our women’s basketball team prepares to face Mali in the AfroBasket final, we hope to recreate that double glory and continue our tradition of sporting excellence.”