Omoba Adegboyega Folaranmi Adedoyin (1922–2014) holds a distinguished place in Nigerian history as a trailblazer in both sports and medicine. A royal by birth and a man of many talents, Adedoyin was the first Nigerian to compete in an Olympic final, leaving a legacy that bridges the worlds of athletics and professional healthcare.

Early Life and Royal Heritage

Born in 1922 into the royal Adedoyin family, Adegboyega Folaranmi Adedoyin was an Omoba—a Yoruba princely title indicating noble lineage. His early education and upbringing reflected a blend of traditional Nigerian values and British academic influence, positioning him for achievements that would resonate far beyond his homeland.

Athletic Achievements: A Nigerian Pioneer on the World Stage

Adedoyin rose to athletic prominence in the 1940s as an exceptional high jumper and long jumper. His most groundbreaking moment came during the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, where he represented Great Britain—a reflection of Nigeria’s colonial status at the time.

At these Olympics, he competed in both the high jump and long jump events, becoming the first Nigerian-born athlete to reach the final of an Olympic event.

His performance broke barriers, setting a precedent for Nigerian athletes and serving as an inspiration for future Olympians across West Africa.

In 1947, the year before the Olympics, Adedoyin solidified his status as a top-tier athlete by winning the high jump event at the AAA Championships in Loughborough, one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious track and field competitions.

His participation at this level, especially as a black African in post-war Britain, was not only rare but historically significant.

Academic and Medical Career

While his exploits on the track were remarkable, Adedoyin’s ambitions stretched far beyond sports. He enrolled at Queen’s University in Belfast, where he studied medicine, eventually earning his M.D. His success in both athletics and academics made him a rare example of balance and excellence in two demanding fields.

After completing his studies, Adedoyin returned to Nigeria, where he dedicated his life to obstetrics and gynecology, contributing to women’s health and medical practice at a time when the country was building its post-colonial healthcare infrastructure. His commitment to public service reflected the values of both his noble upbringing and his rigorous education.

Legacy and Impact

Dr. Adedoyin’s dual legacy as an Olympian and medical doctor underscores a life marked by dedication, resilience, and pioneering spirit. At a time when few Nigerians had the opportunity to compete internationally or access elite medical training, Adedoyin not only broke those barriers but excelled at the highest levels.

His story remains a source of pride in Nigeria’s sporting and medical communities. He paved the way for generations of Nigerian athletes, particularly those who would go on to shine in track and field at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. At the same time, he embodied the intellectual and professional potential of Nigerians on the global stage.

Omoba Adegboyega Folaranmi Adedoyin was more than a sportsman or a doctor—he was a pioneer, a symbol of excellence, and a bridge between tradition and modernity. From Olympic finals to hospital wards, his life’s work continues to inspire a new generation of Nigerians striving to make their mark across the world.

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D’Tigress of Nigeria have advanced to the final of the 2025 Women’s Afrobasket in Côte d’Ivoire following a hard-fought 75-68 victory over Senegal on Saturday, August 2.

The semi-final clash, held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, marks Nigeria’s fifth consecutive appearance in the tournament’s final since 2017.

Nigeria had earlier secured a semi-final berth after overpowering Cameroon in the quarter-final on Thursday. However, the game against long-time rivals Senegal proved to be a far more intense encounter.

The Senegalese team was coached by Otis Hughley, a familiar figure to Nigerian basketball fans. Hughley had previously led D’Tigress to three consecutive Afrobasket titles between 2017 and 2021, making this a high-stakes reunion on the court.

D’Tigress started strong, taking a 22-17 lead at the end of the first quarter. By halftime, Nigeria maintained the lead with a scoreline of 43-37, although Senegal narrowed the gap with increased defensive pressure.

The third quarter saw a shift in momentum. Nigeria’s scoring dipped significantly, managing only nine points, and the team trailed 58-52 heading into the final quarter.

However, D’Tigress regrouped and mounted a determined comeback in the final stretch. With improved turnovers, clutch shooting, and renewed energy, the team overturned the deficit and secured a 7-point win.

The Nigerian team will face either Mali in the final scheduled for Sunday, August 3.

D’Tigress are on the brink of making history by becoming the first nation to win five consecutive Women’s Afrobasket championships.

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Super Eagles of Nigeria forward, Victor Osimhen has climbed into the elite ranks of Africa’s highest-paid footballers in 2025 following his landmark transfer from Napoli to Turkish giants Galatasaray.

It was reports that Victor Osimhen made headlines earlier this summer after sealing a historic €75 million switch. This deal officially broke the Turkish transfer record.

But beyond the hefty transfer fee, Osimhen’s jaw-dropping contract has become a talking point across the football world in terms of the agreed wages.

According to Capology, the 26-year-old Nigerian international will pocket a base salary of €25 million annually at Galatasaray, which breaks down to a staggering €512,885 per week, including bonuses.

This massive wage package not only underlines Osimhen’s stature as one of the most sought-after strikers in world football but also sees him leapfrog Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah on the list of the top 10 highest-paid African players in 2025.

Below are the highest-paid footballers from Africa in 2025:

1. Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli) – €931,316 per week

2. Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr) – €753,846 per week

3. Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal) – €654,038 per week

4. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) – €512,885 per week

5. Franck Kessié (Al-Ahli) – €263,846 per week

6. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – €253,910 per week

7. Edouard Mendy (Al-Ahli) – €207,308 per week

8. Omar Marmoush (Manchester City) – €187,325 per week

9. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain) – €139,615 per week

10. Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao) – €105,192 per week

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