Leo Kokubo and Joel Chima Fujita: Meet the Nigerian-born stars shining for Japan at Paris 2024 Olympics

There is news about Nigerian footballers at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Despite Nigeria's U-23 failing to qualify for the men's football event of the Olympics the social media trends are dominated by footballers related to the country after action in Matchday 1.

With a 5-0 victory over 10-man Paraguay in Bordeaux on Wednesday, Japan made a strong start to the Paris Olympic men's football competition. Shunsuke Mito and late substitute Shota Fujio both scored a brace.

Twenty-four minutes into the Group D match, Mito's opening goal put Go Oiwa's team ahead. Wilder Viera, a midfielder for Paraguay, was sent off for dangerous play.

Five minutes in at Bordeaux Stadium, Hiroki Sekine's header from a corner kick required a save for the Asian under-23 champions, who chose not to bring any players who were overage.

The outcome on Wednesday was different from the previous meeting between the two teams at this level, where Paraguay defeated Japan 4-3 in their Olympic debut in 2004 before going on to win silver in Athens under Jara Saguier's prior leadership.

There were two Nigerians that have risen to the top of the trends following Japan's victory at the Olympics.

Joel Chima Fujita, whose father is Nigerian was in midfield for the Japanese under 23 team.

He featured for all 90 minutes protecting the defense wearing the number eight jersey.

The 22-year-old plays for Belgium First Division side St Truiden.

Leo Kokubo on the other hand was in goal for 90 minutes

The 23-year-old who also plays for St Truiden was in goal for 90 minutes.

The second Group D game between Mali and Japan is scheduled for this Saturday.