1. Kenya
Kenya is synonymous with long-distance running, dominating events from the 1,500 meters to the marathon. The high-altitude regions of the Rift Valley have produced some of the world’s greatest runners, such as Eliud Kipchoge, the marathon world record holder, David Rudisha , a two-time Olympic champion in the 800 meters, and Faith Kipyegon, the current world record holder for the 1,500 meters and mile, and the former world record holder for the 5,000 meters. The country’s prowess in athletics has been evident in numerous Olympic and World Championship events, where Kenyan runners consistently clinch top positions. Beyond athletics, rugby is also popular, with the Kenya Sevens team being one of the top sides in the World Rugby Sevens Series.
Image Source: David Rudisha
South Africa is a powerhouse in multiple sports, notably rugby, cricket, and soccer. The nation’s rugby team, the Springboks, is a three-time Rugby World Cup champion, with their most recent victory in 2019 uniting the country. Cricket also holds a special place in South African sports, with the Proteas being one of the top teams in international cricket. Soccer remains the most popular sport, with the national team, Bafana Bafana, enjoying a passionate following. South Africa has also hosted major international sports events, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the first ever held on African soil, which showcased the country’s capability to host large-scale events.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has a vibrant sports culture that spans soccer, athletics, and basketball. The Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national soccer team, are three-time winners of the Africa Cup of Nations and have made multiple appearances in the FIFA World Cup. In athletics, Nigerian sprinters and jumpers have made their mark, with names like Blessing Okagbare and Ese Brume achieving international acclaim. Basketball has also grown in popularity, with the D’Tigers and D’Tigress teams making strides in international competitions, including the Olympics.
Image Source: D’Tigress
Egypt’s sporting prowess is most notable in soccer, where the national team, known as The Pharaohs, has won the Africa Cup of Nations a record seven times. The country is also a force in handball and squash. Egypt has produced some of the world’s top squash players, with several holding the number one ranking. In the Olympics, Egypt has excelled in sports like weightlifting and wrestling, showcasing a diverse range of athletic talents.
Like Kenya, Ethiopia is a dominant force in long-distance running. Ethiopian athletes such as Haile Gebrselassie, Kenenisa Bekele, and Tirunesh Dibaba have set numerous world records and won multiple Olympic gold medals in events ranging from the 5,000 meters to the marathon. The country’s high-altitude training environments, combined with a strong tradition of running, have contributed to its success. Athletics remains the most popular sport, with young athletes looking up to these legends and aspiring to continue Ethiopia’s dominance in distance running.
Morocco has a strong tradition in soccer and athletics. The national soccer team, known as the Atlas Lions, has qualified for the FIFA World Cup on multiple occasions and won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1976. Morocco has also produced top-notch middle-distance runners like Hicham El Guerrouj, who holds the world record in the 1,500 meters and the mile. Additionally, Morocco is home to a burgeoning tennis scene, with players like Younes El Aynaoui and Hicham Arazi achieving international recognition.
Cameroon is best known for its soccer team, the Indomitable Lions, who have won the Africa Cup of Nations five times and are frequent participants in the FIFA World Cup. Soccer is the heartbeat of Cameroonian sports culture, with legends like Roger Milla and Samuel Eto’o inspiring future generations. Additionally, the country has made significant strides in boxing, producing world-class fighters like Hassan N’Dam and Francis Ngannou, who is also a UFC Heavyweight Champion.
Soccer is the dominant sport in Ivory Coast, with the national team, known as The Elephants, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 1992 and 2015. The country has produced some of the most talented soccer players in the world, such as Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, who have enjoyed successful careers in top European leagues. Beyond soccer, Ivory Coast is making a name in rugby, with the national team competing in various international tournaments.
Image Source: Ivory Coast National Football Team
Algeria is a formidable force in African soccer, with the national team, The Desert Foxes, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 1990 and 2019. Soccer is the most popular sport in the country, and Algeria has produced several internationally renowned players, including Riyad Mahrez. Athletics is also growing, with the nation producing notable middle-distance runners like Taoufik Makhloufi, who won gold in the 1,500 meters at the 2012 Olympics.
Ghana’s sporting achievements are prominently seen in soccer and boxing. The national soccer team, the Black Stars, is a three-time winner of the Africa Cup of Nations and has performed well in multiple FIFA World Cups. Ghana is also a hub for boxing, producing numerous world champions such as Azumah Nelson and Ike Quartey. Athletics, particularly sprinting and field events, is gaining popularity, with several Ghanaian athletes competing on the international stage.
Image Source: Getty Images
Determining the best African country in sports depends on the criteria used. For long-distance running, Kenya and Ethiopia are unmatched, dominating events from the 5,000 meters to the marathon. In team sports like soccer and rugby, South Africa and Nigeria stand out due to their achievements in international competitions. Each country has its strengths in different sports, making it challenging to single out one as the absolute best.
Soccer is by far the most viewed and popular sport across Africa, with a massive following in nearly every country. Other widely followed sports include athletics, particularly long-distance running, rugby, basketball, and cricket. The popularity of these sports can vary by region, reflecting local cultural and historical influences.
Yes, many African countries compete in the Olympics, with some, like Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Nigeria, frequently winning medals, especially in athletics. Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco have also been successful, particularly in weightlifting, boxing, and wrestling. The participation of African countries in the Olympics continues to grow, with many nations investing in their athletes to compete at the highest level.
Some of the biggest sports events in Africa include the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for soccer, the All-Africa Games (now known as the African Games), and the Cape Town Cycle Tour. Rugby’s Africa Gold Cup and various athletics championships, such as the African Championships in Athletics, are also significant events that attract considerable attention across the continent.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Ghana, with a rich history and passionate following. The national team, the Black Stars, is one of Africa’s most successful, having won the Africa Cup of Nations three times and competed in several FIFA World Cups. Boxing also enjoys popularity in Ghana, with the country producing several world-class boxers over the years.
While many modern sports were developed in other regions, traditional African sports have influenced certain aspects of global sporting culture. Wrestling, for example, has deep roots in many African countries and is considered one of the oldest sports in the world. Traditional African wrestling styles have been practiced for centuries and are still popular in many parts of the continent today.
Modern sports as we know them today have origins primarily in the United Kingdom, which formalized rules for soccer, rugby, cricket, and tennis. However, many sports have evolved from traditional games and activities from various cultures worldwide. In Africa, traditional games like wrestling and stick fighting have ancient roots and continue to be practiced.
Mancala is one of the oldest known games originating from Africa, with evidence of its play dating back thousands of years. The game, which involves moving stones, seeds, or beans across a board with multiple pits, is played in various forms across Africa and has spread to other parts of the world. Mancala games are known for their strategic depth and are enjoyed by people of all ages.
Africa’s sporting landscape is diverse and rich, with each country contributing unique talents and traditions to the continent’s sports culture. As African nations continue to invest in sports infrastructure and talent development, the future looks bright for the continent’s athletes on the global stage.
