Winner’s medal awarded to Nigerian footballer Emmanuel Ekpo at the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics. Silver with inlaid jade, 70 mm, 186 gm, by Medal Design Group, China Central Academy of Fine Arts, Elena Votsi. Created from ancient Chinese jade patterns, the medal consists of silver and jade, which symbolize nobility and virtue. Jade has been regarded as a virtue since ancient times, and the embodiment of Chinese traditional values of ethics and honor. The front depicts the standing goddess of Victory against panoramic imagery of the Panathinaikos Arena, with text above reading: “XXIX Olympiad Beijing 2008”; and the reverse features the Beijing Games emblem surrounded by inlaid jade and the outer circle engraved with the sport, “Football, Men.” The design inspiration of the medal hook derives from jade ‘huang,’ a ceremonial jade piece decorated with a double dragon pattern and ‘Pu,’ the reed mat pattern. The medal bears some instances of scuffing, discoloration, and some scattered abrasions to rim and edge. Includes the original well-worn red-and-orange ribbon. Accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from Ekpo.
After a 12-year hiatus, the Nigerian national football team returned to the Olympic winner’s table after a sensational showing at the 2008 Beijing Games. Finishing with a final tourney record of 4-1-1, the Nigerians made short work of Ivory Coast and Belgium in the knockout rounds before facing off with undefeated Argentina in the gold medal match. The game’s lone goal by Argentina’s Angel Di Maria in the second half proved enough as the Argentineans held off both searing heat and a talented Nigerian squad to reclaim their second straight Olympic gold.
