Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman has taken a significant step towards realizing his dream move to French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). According to reports, Ligue 1 champions PSG have reached a salary agreement with the Super Eagles star, setting the stage for a potential transfer from Lookman’s current club, Atalanta.

PSG reportedly makes an offer for Ademola Lookman

The reports indicate that PSG’s interest in Lookman has intensified since the French club suffered a major injury setback, losing forward Goncalo Ramos to a lengthy sideline spell. To address this void, PSG has reportedly proposed a lucrative contract worth €4.5 million per season to Lookman – more than doubling the €1.8 million he currently earns at Atalanta.

Eager to switch to the French capital, Lookman is said to have agreed, in principle, to join PSG, provided the Ligue 1 champions can accord with his current employers, according to claims from Sports Zone. This commitment has notably led to Lookman’s absence from Atalanta’s squad for their Serie A opener against US Lecce, a decision apparently made at the player’s own request, as his current club secured a 4-0 victory in their first match of the 2024/25 season.

Atalanta’s remain firm on €40 million price tag

However, despite the reported agreement between PSG and Lookman, Atalanta is standing firm on their player valuation.

The Europa League holders are aware of the difficulty in replacing a talent of Lookman’s calibre so late in the transfer window and have set a minimum asking price of €40 million for the 26-year-old forward.

In addition to PSG’s interest, Lookman has also caught the eye of Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, who are hoping to bolster their attacking options to compete with the likes of Al Hilal and Al Nassr in the new league season. As the transfer window enters its final stages, the future of the Super Eagles star remains uncertain, with multiple high-profile suitors vying for his signature.

Jamaica is famous for producing some of the world’s best sprinters. Recently, the country has also become known for romantic relationships between its track athletes. A new couple from the Jamaican track and field team has recently made their relationship public. This couple are Rasheed Broadbell and Stacey-Ann Williams; they both competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics as part of the Jamaican team.

Their decision to announce their relationship has drawn attention. This makes them a new “power couple” in the world of athletics.

Who is Rasheed Broadbell?

Who is Stacey-Ann Williams?

The Paris 2024 Olympics has been a successful event for Nigerian athletes, with several athletes delivering outstanding performances. From breaking records to achieving personal bests, these athletes have showcased their talent on the global stage.

Here are the top 10 best-performing Nigerian athletes so far at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympics, ranked from the top down based on their finishing positions and record-breaking performances in their events.

1. Favour Ofili

Favour Ofili has been Nigeria’s standout performer at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite the disappointment of not being entered for the women’s 100m event, she poured her energy into the 200m race.

Ofili not only won her heat with ease but also made it to the final, marking Nigeria’s first appearance in a 200m Olympic final in 28 years. In the semifinals, she ran alongside newly crowned Olympic 100m champion Julien Alfred and finished with a season’s best time of 22.05 seconds.

In the final, she narrowly missed out on a podium finish, placing sixth with a time of 22.24 seconds, just behind bronze medallist Brittany Brown, who finished in 22.20 seconds.

Although she didn’t win a medal, the 21-year-old made history and delivered an exceptional performance in her first Olympic appearance.

2. Samuel Ogazi

Samuel Ogazi has made a significant impact in his debut Olympics, ensuring Nigeria’s representation in the men’s 400m final for the first time in 36 years since the legendary Innocent Egbunike.

The 18-year-old ran the race of his life in the semifinals, achieving a new Personal Best (PB) of 44.41 seconds. His third-place finish in the semifinals secured his spot in the final, making him the first Nigerian 400m runner to reach an Olympic final since Egbunike’s feat at Seoul 1988.

3. Chukwuebuka Enekwechi

Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, fondly known as “Big Chuks,” was the first Nigerian athlete to reach a final at the Paris 2024 Olympics. In the men’s shot put qualifying round, he delivered an impressive throw of 21.14 meters.

Enekwechi continued to shine in the final, improving his mark to a monstrous 21.42 meters, marking his best career finish at a major championship. His consistent performances have made him one of Nigeria’s top athletes at the Games.

4. Tobi Amusan

Tobi Amusan, the World Record (WR) holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, started her Paris Olympic campaign with a convincing win in her heat. She clocked an effortless 12.49 seconds to advance to the semifinals.

After narrowly missing out on a medal with a fourth-place finish in Tokyo, Amusan is determined to claim a medal this time around and perhaps even achieve the ultimate prize of becoming the Olympic champion.

5. Ese Brume

Ese Brume, the leader among Nigeria’s talented long jumpers, delivered an impressive performance in the qualifying rounds. She saved her best jump for the last, surpassing the automatic qualifying standard of 6.75 meters with a leap of 6.76 meters.

Her guaranteed spot in the final was a historic feat, as it marked the first time ever that three Nigerian women would compete in an Olympic long jump final.

6. Ruth Usoro

Ruth Usoro, who experienced the disappointment of being disqualified at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, made sure her Paris outing was memorable. She secured her spot in the women’s long jump final with a leap of 6.68 meters.

This placed her among the top 12 best jumpers. Usoro’s determination and resilience paid off, as she is now competing in the final round of the event.

7. Prestina Ochonogor

Prestina Ochonogor, another young talent, showed great potential in the long jump event. Competing in the qualifying rounds, she achieved a best mark of 6.65 meters. Yet, good enough to book her a spot in the final.

Despite not being a top contender for a medal, Ochonogor’s consistency throughout the season has shown that she thrives on big occasions. She cannot be ruled out as a potential upset against the world’s best jumpers.

8. Ella Onojuvwevwo

Ella Onojuvwevwo, a 19-year-old athlete, played a key role in Nigeria’s mixed 4x400m relay team. With this, she set a new National Record (NR) of 3:11.99. Alongside Samuel Ogazi, Emmanuel Ojeli, and Patience George, she helped the team finish fourth in their heat and ninth overall, just one spot away from the final.

Despite this setback, Onojuvwevwo later participated in the women’s 400m event. Further, she won her repechage heat in 50.59 seconds to advance to the semifinals. This performance also earned her qualification for the Tokyo 2025 World Championships.

9. Ezekiel Nathaniel

Ezekiel Nathaniel was Nigeria’s sole representative in the men’s 400m hurdles event. As the National Record (NR) holder, he secured his spot in the semifinals with a second-place finish in his heat, clocking 48.32 seconds.

This achievement made him the first Nigerian athlete in 12 years to reach the semifinals in this event at the Olympics. His time was also his fourth-fastest career mark. Also, he aims to improve it further to secure a place in the final.

10. Kanyinsola Ajayi

Kanyinsola Ajayi made his Olympic debut in the men’s 100m event, where he demonstrated great courage and determination.

In his heats, Ajayi delivered a stunning performance. He defeated the Tokyo 2021 gold medallist with a time of 10.02 seconds. This earned him a place in the semifinals.

Again, he competed against a highly competitive field that eventually produced the Olympic champion, Noah Lyles. Ajayi did not advance to the final, but his performance was a promising start to his Olympic journey.