In 2024, African women in sports shattered long-standing barriers, breaking into arenas historically dominated by men with unparalleled determination and resilience. From basketball courts to football fields, weightlifting platforms to marathon tracks, their achievements were a testament to their strength and potential. These women didn’t just claim their place, they led, inspired, and proved that greatness knows no gender.

Rena Wakama: A Coach of Firsts

“We are happy that we can bring joy, passion, and resiliency to our nation and just be a great example for those to come.” These words from Rena Wakama captures the spirit of her ground breaking journey in basketball. Starting as a player with Nigeria’s D’Tigress, she made history in 2023 as the first female Head Coach of the team. Under her leadership, D’Tigress achieved an unprecedented milestone in 2024, becoming the first African basketball team, male or female, to reach the Olympic quarterfinals, defeating Canada 79-70. Wakama’s efforts earned her FIBA’s Best Coach of the Tournament award, a testament to her vision and leadership. Her success reaffirms that women can not only participate but excel in leading roles within male-dominated spaces.

Chiamaka Nnadozie: A Fortress Between the Posts

Chiamaka Nnadozie’s rise as one of the world’s top goalkeepers is a story of perseverance. Born into a family where her father opposed her football ambitions, she defied societal expectations to follow her dream. In 2024, her performance, including ten clean sheets in 28 games, was pivotal in securing Nigeria’s Super Falcons’ qualification for the Paris Olympics after 16 years. Her penalty save against South Africa in the qualifiers exemplified her skill and determination. Nnadozie’s achievements earned her the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award for the second consecutive year, “My dad never wanted me to become a footballer, but I am sure he is going to see this tonight and he is going to be happy,” she shared in 2023 after her first CAF award win. Her journey is a powerful reminder that young girls deserve the freedom to dream, and with support, their potential knows no bounds.

Folashade Oluwafemiayo, Onyinyechi Mark, and Eniola Bolaji: Trailblazers in Para-Sports

In the world of para-sports, these athletes redefined excellence. Folashade Oluwafemiayo became the first female para-athlete to lift 167kg in the over 86kg category, winning gold and setting a world record at the Paris Paralympics. 23 years old Onyinyechi Mark won gold in the 61kg powerlifting category with a lift of 150kg, marking her as a dominant force in her sport. Eniola Bolaji achieved a historic bronze medal in Para-Badminton becoming Africa’s first medalist in the event. Their victories are milestones not only for Nigeria but for all African women in sports, showing that talent transcends physical challenges.

Barbra Banda: Zambia’s Shooting Star

Barbra Banda continued to defy expectations in football, scoring four goals for Zambia at the Paris Olympics and leading Orlando Pride to a National Women’s Soccer League Championship. Her accolades in 2024 included CAF Women’s Player of the Year and BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year. Banda’s journey highlights the importance of representation, proving that African women can shine on football’s grandest stages and lead their teams to glory.

Sifan Hassan: Redefining Endurance Sports

Sifan Hassan’s 2024 journey was a masterclass in resilience, winning bronze in the 5,000m and 10,000m at the Paris Olympics, she went on to claim gold in the marathon, setting an Olympic record of 2:22:55. Her extraordinary feat, achieved with minimal rest between events, earned her World Athletics’ Athlete of the Year and Dutch Sportswoman of the Year honors. Hassan’s story is a reminder that perseverance and determination can defy all odds, inspiring a new generation of women in endurance sports.

The Power of Support and Empowerment

These remarkable achievements are not made in isolation, families, communities and organizations play a vital role in nurturing talent. Chiamaka Nnadozie’s story underscores the importance of believing in a girl’s potential, by fostering environments where young girls can pursue their passions without fear or limitations, we pave the way for more women to break barriers in sports.

As these athletes continue to inspire, they also challenge us to reimagine the future of sports. Their stories affirm that the world of sports is not solely male, it’s a shared space, richer and brighter when women are fully included and supported. These trailblazers are leading the way, showing us that when barriers are broken, greatness follows.

Miracle Philip is a Programmes Officer at Women Radio 91.7.