While Team Nigeria will return home empty-handed from the Paris 2024 Olympics, athletes of Nigerian origin made their mark on the world stage by winning four medals for their adopted countries.
The medal tally of these diaspora athletes is almost equal to the country's best ever result at the Olympic Games, when Nigeria won two gold, one silver and three bronze medals at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Although the participation in Paris marks the eighth time that Nigeria has finished the Olympics without a medal, analysts argue that it is the worst in history, given the number of athletes (88) and sports (12) in which the country participated at the Paris Games.
From day one, it was a story of hopes raised and then dashed for the athletes of Team Nigeria.
At other times, it seemed like a matter of bad luck, while in many other cases, the athletes on the Nigerian team were simply not as good as their counterparts from other countries.
But while Nigeria is ruing its disastrous showing in Paris, the country's name has become associated with some success stories at this year's Olympics.
Here are the athletes of Nigerian origin who won medals at the Paris Olympics.
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1. Yemisi Ogunleye: Germany's golden girl
Yemisi Ogunleye, born in Germany to a Nigerian father from Omuo-Ekiti in Ekiti State, made history by winning gold in the shot put for Germany.
The achievement marked Germany's first gold in the event since Astrid Kumbernuss in 1996. Ogunleye proudly identifies with her German heritage while embracing her Nigerian roots.
2. Salwa Eid Naser: Bahrain's silver sensation
Salwa Eid Naser, born Ebelechukwu Antoinette Agbapuonwu in Nigeria, began her career in her home country. She even competed and won at the Nigerian Youth Games, where her potential was undeniable.
But failing to get adequate support, he switched allegiance to Bahrain in 2014 and converted to Islam, adopting his new name.
That decision has proven to be a smart one as Naser has continued to win medals for the oil-rich Kingdom, the latest of which was a silver medal in the women's 400m event.
3. Annette Echikunwoke: The American hammer throw heroine
Echikunwoke was born and raised in Pickerington, Ohio, to Nigerian parents. She was scheduled to represent Nigeria at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but was deemed ineligible.
A year after the unfortunate incident in Tokyo, Echikunwoke returned home and competed for his country, where he won the silver medal in hammer throw at the Paris Olympics.
She became the first American woman to win a medal in the sport. Echikunwoke's determination and talent paid off in her adopted country after negligence by Nigerian sports authorities denied her the chance to compete at the Tokyo Olympics.
4. Samu Omorodion: Spain's golden footballer
Born in Melilla, a Spanish enclave to Nigerian parents, Omorodion moved to Seville at an early age, where he grew up.
Omorodion, eligible to play for Nigeria, helped Spain win gold in the men's soccer event.
Although he did not play in the final match in which Spain triumphed 5-3 over hosts France, Omorodion made significant contributions to Spain's gold medal run.
READ ALSO: Nigerian athletes who staged comebacks at Paris 2024 after Tokyo Olympics disappointment
Omorodion's success highlights the talent and potential of Nigerian athletes in the diaspora.
The achievements of these athletes underscore the need to invest in sports infrastructure and development programmes in Nigeria.
As Nigerians abroad continue to shine, it is essential to create an enabling environment to nurture talent at home and bring glory to the country.