Nigeria will be represented by 19 athletes across six sports at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, as the country prepares for the historic competition, which begins on October 31.
Athletics prospect Rosemary Nwankwo and table tennis player Matthew Kuti are among the young talents expected to spearhead Nigeria‘s campaign at the Games, which will mark the first time an Olympic event is hosted on African soil.
Athletics leads Nigeria’s representationThe Nigerian contingent comprises male and female athletes competing in athletics, boxing, road cycling, swimming, table tennis and beach volleyball.
Athletics accounts for the largest share of the team, with nine athletes selected: Treasure Omosiwe, Rosemary Nwankwo, Rita Chisom Ezeh, Faith Ezechukwu, Praise Ugoh, Gift Bright, Gift Oghenerunor, Obanla Ehuwa and Godswill Nkemakolam.
They will compete in events including the 100 metres, 100m hurdles, 400m, 400m hurdles, shot put, high jump and javelin, giving Nigeria representation across track and field disciplines.
Kuti headlines table tennis teamFavour Ojo and Matthew Kuti will represent Nigeria in table tennis, competing in the singles and mixed doubles events.
Kuti, one of the country’s promising young table tennis players, will be seeking to make an impression on the international stage, while both athletes will have the opportunity to test their skills against some of the world’s best young players.
Nigeria’s other representatives include Shukurat Mayowa in the women’s 48kg boxing category and Ringnan Danjuma in the women’s road race and individual time trial in cycling.
Four swimmers, two beach volleyball players selectedSwimming will feature four Nigerian athletes: Akinsanmi Omolola, Kristabel Chisa Oldeide, Aidan Dumuje-Abili and Kashope Obatoyinbo.
Meanwhile, Pamela Bawa and Joy Lawrence will represent Nigeria in women’s beach volleyball, completing the country’s participation across the six sports.
The spread of athletes across the disciplines reflects Nigeria’s efforts to provide emerging talents with international exposure beyond its traditional sporting strengths.
Team Nigeria concludes preparationsThe National Sports Commission (NSC) has overseen preparations for the Games, with the athletes participating in a 21-day local camping programme that began on October 9.
The programme included medical screening, anti-doping education, technical and tactical training, kit fitting, travel documentation and other preparations ahead of the team’s departure for Senegal.
According to the NSC’s schedule, Team Nigeria is expected to depart Abuja on October 29, ahead of the opening ceremony at the Diamniadio Olympic Stadium on October 31.
Table tennis and beach volleyball competitions are scheduled to begin on the opening day, while swimming starts on November 1. Boxing will run from November 7 to 12, with athletics and road cycling events scheduled between November 8 and 10.
Dakar 2026 makes Olympic historyThe fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games will run from October 31 to November 13, with events taking place across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly in Senegal.
The competition is expected to bring together approximately 2,700 young athletes from around the world, competing in 25 sports, alongside a programme featuring 10 additional engagement sports.
Beyond the pursuit of medals, the Youth Olympic Games offer developing athletes an opportunity to gain international experience, measure themselves against global competition and prepare for future senior-level events.
Dakar 2026 represents an opportunity for the next generation of sporting talents to showcase their abilities while participating in a historic edition of the Olympic movement on African soil.