• At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics in the United States, Nigeria achieved astonishing victories, becoming the first African country to claim Olympic gold in football.
• Africa has produced numerous sporting talents whose exceptional skills and efforts have garnered international success, leaving lasting impressions for both the continent and the world.
Image: XINHUA
When discussing Africa, sports inevitably take centre stage. From ancient disciplines to emerging sports and from international stars setting world records to the genuine enthusiasm of the population, the continent’s passion for sports is palpable.
On Friday, all eyes will turn to the most anticipated sporting event of 2024: the Paris Olympics. The world will again focus on the vigour, speed and ardour of African sports.
Remarkable performance under the spotlight
Reflecting on history, Africa has produced numerous sporting talents whose exceptional skills and efforts have garnered international success, leaving lasting impressions for both the continent and the world.
Football resonates deeply across Africa, with each nation contributing its unique style and footballing identity. From the speed of Nigeria to the endurance of Cote d’Ivoire, and the technique of Morocco.
On this passionate and dynamic stage, African teams have consistently forged their legends and delighted football fans with surprises.
At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics in the United States, Nigeria achieved astonishing victories, becoming the first African country to claim Olympic gold in football. The Super Eagles turned the tables in both the semifinals and final, defeating Brazil and Argentina.
In 2010, the world’s most prestigious football tournament was, for the first time, hosted in Africa.
At Soccer City in Johannesburg, South Africa, 94,000 spectators gathered for the Fifa World Cup opening ceremony. This historic event drew over a billion viewers.
From June 11 to July 11, 2010, the World Cup in South Africa delivered countless iconic moments, including the debut of the official match ball, the Jabulani, the “prognosticator” Paul the Octopus, and the distinctive vuvuzela.
Fast-forward to 2022, at the World Cup in Qatar, Morocco stunned Portugal with a 1-0 victory, marking the first time an African team had advanced to the World Cup semifinals.
Besides football, running is another strong suit of African sports with African runners, particularly from Kenya and Ethiopia, dominating long-distance running. On the red and white track, they move like the wind, repeatedly conquering the world with their unparalleled endurance and blazing speed.
Kenyan marathoner Eliud Kipchoge, a global sensation, has triumphed in numerous world marathons and claimed gold medals at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
In a historic feat, Kipchoge became the first person to run the marathon distance in under two hours, doing so during the “INEOS 1:59 Challenge” in Vienna on October 12, 2019.
The prowess of African women in athletics is equally remarkable. At the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Ethiopia’s Derartu Tulu made history by winning gold in the 10,000m, becoming the first African woman to achieve Olympic glory.
In 2023, Faith Kipyegon, Olympic champion in the 1,500m, shattered three world records within 49 days: the 1,500m, 5,000m and the mile. This year, she broke her world record in 1,500m at the Diamond League meet in Paris, exemplifying her natural talent.
Image: XINHUA
A passion rooted in everyday life
African athletes pursue dreams in major world events and showcase their national pride. Beyond the grand stage, the enthusiasm for sports in African civil society remains steadfast.
Across cities and villages, Africans integrate the spirit of athleticism into their daily routines, reflecting a deep-seated love for sports.
Football, revered as the continent’s most popular sport, holds a profound place on African soil. Its widespread appeal stems from its accessibility. Unlike many team sports, football requires minimal resources; all it takes is a flat field without rocks, four items to serve as goals, and, of course, a ball.
Football’s popularity thrives in Africa because it can be played almost anywhere, offering joy to everyone. From farmlands to desert clearings, roadside paths to village squares, African youths find joy in the simplicity of the game.
In a village in Parakou, Benin’s second-largest city, a special football competition unfolded last May. With touchlines, a halfway line, and a penalty area painted with white lime, a simple open space was transformed into a playground.
The venue, located behind the Chinese Support Mission for Cotton Production in Benin, was built by a Chinese team using agricultural machinery and salvaged materials. Nearby, a cotton field awaited ploughing and sowing.
Attracted by the final, villagers came from farms and homes to watch. The athletes’ energetic performances and the crowd’s fanatical applause created a vivid scene.
“The match was very exciting,” said cotton farmer Mohamed Gbeha, expressing gratitude to the Chinese project for organizing the tournament.
Indeed, villagers often organise football games during the agricultural off-season. Despite modest facilities and makeshift gear, the fervour of football enthusiasts remains undiminished.
Across countryside and urban settings alike, African students commonly unwind after school with spirited matches, showcasing the universal appeal and enduring spirit of the sport.
Image: HANDOUT
Unmatched potential to become sporting hub
As the world continues to marvel at the exceptional talent and resilience of African athletes in traditional sports like football and athletics, the sparks of emerging sports such as basketball, rugby, table tennis and cycling are gradually illuminating the entire continent.
At the Rio 2016 Olympics, Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna reached the quarterfinals in the men’s singles table tennis; in 2019 and 2023, South Africa won back-to-back editions of the Rugby World Cup; and recently, Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay made history as the first black African to win a stage at the Tour de France.
These remarkable performances by African athletes and national teams have inspired the growth of diverse sports on the continent.
Indeed, Africa, often hailed as “the youngest continent in the world”, possesses unparalleled potential to emerge as a global sporting hub, with more and more international competitions being organised on this vast land.
Next year, the champions competing on the roads of the Tour de France will converge in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, for the World Championships, marking a historic first for the continent.
“Organising the World Championships here in 2025 is a huge opportunity for the continent,” said four-time Tour de France winner Christopher Froome. “It will finally give a spotlight to cycling in Africa.”
In 2026, the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games will be held in Dakar, Senegal, another African first.
“We cannot wait for the moment to enjoy the first Olympic event on African soil, an event for Africa, with Africa, that will welcome the youth of the world to Senegal,” said IOC President Thomas Bach as the countdown to the opening ceremony reached the 1,000-day mark.
In Paris, Africa’s athletic prowess will once again captivate audiences. Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes aim to maintain their dominance in long-distance and middle-distance running events; South Sudan eye breakthrough in men’s basketball; Morocco hope to advance further in their eighth Olympic odyssey; South Africa seek to add to its swimming accolades; and don’t forget breakdancing, a new Olympic discipline that will feature an African participant.
The Olympics are a grand celebration for the whole world and a stage to showcase warmth, spirit and professionalism for Africa. Above all, sports in Africa are a source of joy, unity and hope, narrating a story of glory, cohesion and future.