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Former Super Falcons forward, Desire Oparanozie has dismissed the notion that Nigeria’s large population should automatically translate to success at the Olympic Games.
Despite Nigeria’s population of over 200 million, the nation concluded its participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics without securing a single medal – 88 elite athletes represented the Team Nigeria.
Meanwhile, smaller countries like Botswana – 2,417,596 (11 Athletes), Kenya – 52,428,290 (72 Athletes), and St. Lucia -178,696 (4 Athletes) achieved podium finishes.
The former forward emphasized that success in the Olympics is driven by strategic planning and robust infrastructure, not merely population size.
Nigerian Players pose for photos before the game against Japan. (Photo by ROMAIN PERROCHEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
“What’s with this submission about less populated countries winning medals, and not us with more population? What a lame comparison,” the ex-player remarked.
“Winning isn’t about a country’s population, but about how well they prepared—structures, equipment, motivation, and the level of support available to them,” she concluded.
Tobi Amusan in the Women’s 100m Hurdles Heats during the World Athletics Championships. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
