As the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics officially kicks off today, Nigeria makes its 19th appearance on the global stage, bringing a vibrant display of culture and athletic prowess. The opening ceremony, set to unfold along the picturesque River Seine, promises to be a spectacular celebration of Parisian history and heritage.
With 206 nations and over 10,000 athletes competing across 32 sports and 329 events, the Games have already begun with some sports in action. However, the Opening Ceremony, scheduled for 19:30 CEST (18:30 Nigerian time), will be the centerpiece of today’s festivities. The parade, led by artistic director Thomas Jolly, will wind six kilometers along the Seine, passing iconic landmarks like Notre Dame and the Louvre. The ceremony will feature a dazzling array of performances with dancers on every bridge and over 3,000 costumes created by costume director Daphne Burki.
Nigeria, fielding 88 athletes across 12 sports including athletics, boxing, wrestling, football, basketball, and more, is set to captivate audiences with its rich cultural heritage. The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s football team, have already made headlines with their opening match against Brazil on July 25 at Stade Matmut-Atlantique in Bordeaux.
The Parade of Nations will see around 100 boats carrying athletes, with flagbearers such as tennis star Coco Gauff and diver Tom Daley leading their teams to the Trocadero, near the Eiffel Tower. There, the Olympic cauldron will be lit, marking the official start of the Games and highlighting the city of Paris as the epicenter of this global event.
