Paris 2024: Black weekend for Nigeria as Super Falcons lose, table tennis stars crash out

Nigeria's sporting world experienced a series of setbacks over the weekend, with several disappointing results and controversies casting a shadow over the nation's Olympic campaign.

The Super Falcons' hopes of progressing to the next round of the Paris 2024 Olympics took a significant hit following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain.

Despite a valiant defensive effort, a late free-kick from Alexia Putellas proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Nigeria's table tennis campaign at the Olympics came to a premature end as Offiong Edem was eliminated in the women's singles.

Her defeat followed the earlier exits of Quadri Aruna and Olajide Omotayo, leaving the nation without a representative in the later stages of the competition.

The weekend also brought the distressing news of Cynthia Ogunsemilore's positive doping test.

The promising boxer's Olympic dream was shattered after she was found to have used a banned substance.

This incident has cast a shadow over Nigerian boxing and raised concerns about the country's anti-doping measures.

Meanwhile, another Nigerian boxer Olaitan Olaore was also eliminated from the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Nigerian faced stiff competition from Kazakhstan’s Oralbay Aibek in the first round.

Aibek dominated the match, winning all three rounds by unanimous decision (5-0).

Chief Iwuanyanwu, who renamed the former Spartans Football Club of Owerri to Iwuanyanwu Nationale, passed away at 82 on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

Also, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Ubah, who transformed Gabros International of Nnewi into FC IfeanyiUbah, died at a London hospital on Saturday morning, July 27, at 52.

Nigeria's bid to reclaim their Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations title came to a premature end as the Supersand Eagles suffered a devastating defeat to Mauritania in the qualifier's second leg, despite a brilliant showing on home soil.

The result is particularly painful given that Nigeria only needed a draw to secure their place in the tournament. The team's failure to advance will undoubtedly be a source of disappointment for players, coaches, and lovers of Beach soccer.

These setbacks have undoubtedly dampened the spirits of Nigerian sports fans, but it is essential to remember that the Olympic journey is a marathon, not a sprint. With the competition still ongoing, there is still an opportunity for Nigerian athletes to redeem themselves and make the nation proud.