Nigeria to Send 19 Athletes to Dakar 2026

Nigeria is set to showcase its emerging sporting talents on the international stage after selecting 19 young athletes to represent the country at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
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‎The Nigerian contingent, comprising 12 female and seven male athletes, will compete in six sporting disciplines at the prestigious international competition, which commenced on October 31 and runs until November 13, 2026.
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‎The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games are particularly significant as they mark the first time an Olympic sporting event is being hosted on African soil. The competition brings together thousands of young athletes from different countries to compete and demonstrate their abilities.
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‎According to the National Sports Commission (NSC), Nigeria will participate in athletics, boxing, road cycling, swimming, table tennis and beach volleyball.
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‎Athletics will account for the largest share of Nigeria's representation, with nine athletes selected. They include Treasure Omosiwe, Rosemary Nwankwo, Rita Chisom Ezeh, Faith Ezechukwu, Praise Ugoh, Gift Bright, Gift Oghenerunor, Obanla Ehuwa and Godswill Nkemakolam.
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‎The athletes will compete in different events, including the 100 metres, 100 metres hurdles, 400 metres, 400 metres hurdles, shot put, high jump and javelin.
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‎In other sporting categories, Shukurat Mayowa will represent Nigeria in the women's 48kg boxing division, while Ringnan Danjuma will compete in women's road cycling.
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‎Swimming will feature four Nigerian representatives: Akinsanmi Omolola, Kristabel Chisa Oldeide, Aidan Dumuje-Abili and Kashope Obatoyinbo. Meanwhile, Favour Ojo and Mathew Kuti will represent the country in table tennis, while Pamela Bawa and Joy Lawrence will compete as Nigeria's women's beach volleyball team.
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‎Preparations for the competition included a 21-day local camping programme organised by the National Sports Commission. The programme featured medical screening, anti-doping education, technical and tactical training, equipment fitting and other essential preparations.
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‎The NSC expressed confidence in the young athletes and urged them to represent Nigeria with discipline, patriotism and determination.
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‎Beyond the immediate competition, the Youth Olympic Games offer an important opportunity for Nigeria's upcoming sporting stars to gain international exposure, improve their competitive experience and prepare for future senior-level competitions.
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‎With its promising young talents, Nigeria will be hoping that the Dakar experience produces impressive performances and helps develop the next generation of international sporting champions.