2024 was an eventful year for Nigerians who excelled in various fields of endeavor.
These eminent Nigerians brought fame and glory to Nigeria by bringing home laurels and putting the country on the global map.
Here are a few Nigerians who did remarkably well with global recognition in 2024.
- Ademola Lookman: 27-years-old Ademola Lookman who plays for Serie A club, Atalanta BC brought glory to Nigeria when was announced as the CAF player of year 2024. Born in England to a Nigerian parents, Lookman received his first international call-up when he was named in the England U19squad for Mexico. He became the seventh Nigerian to win the CAF Men’s Player of the Year when he took home the prize for 2024 at a gala held in Marrakesh, Morocco. The Atalanta forward followed the footsteps of Victor Osimhen, who won the prize in 2023. Lookman had an impressive 2023/24 season for both club and country. He scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists in all competitions last season for Atalanta, which retained its status as one of the best in Serie A.
- Chidinma Adetshina: Beauty pageant, Chidinma Adetshina trended online owing to issues concerning her citizenship in South Africa. Despite the challenges she faced in South Africa which many considered as xenophobic she went ahead to emerge second runner up at Miss Universe pageant. The controversy started during Adetshina’s participation in the Miss South Africa pageant. She faced scrutiny due to questions about her citizenship and eligibility. Concerns were raised regarding her dual citizenship of South Africa and Nigeria, leading the South African Department of Home Affairs to investigate her background. The investigation allegedly revealed preliminary evidence suggesting potential issues with her mother’s acquisition of South African citizenship. Adetshina garnered support from the public who saw her as a representation of South Africa’s diverse population. On 31 August 2024, Adetshina won Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. She proceeded to represent Nigeria at Miss Universe 2024, on November 16, 2024, at the Arena CDMX in Mexico City. Adetshina was announced first runner-up, against other contestants from 126 countries.
- Kemi Badenoch: UK Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, has been named in New African magazine’s The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024. Born Olukemi (Kemi) Olufunto Adegoke to Nigerian parents, and married to Hamish Badenoch, the 44-year-old made history by becoming the first black woman to lead a major UK political party when she was elected by the Conservatives to replace the outgoing Prime Minister and leader of the party, Rishi Sunak on 2nd November, 2024. Her election underscores the resilience and determination of Nigerians in the diaspora. Mrs. Badenoch has since become a vocal voice and critic for reforms in Nigeria attracting scathing comments from Vice President Kasim Shettima who considers her viewpoints unpatriotic.
