Team Nigeria is set to make its mark at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, with 19 athletes preparing to represent the country across six sporting events as the countdown to the historic competition reaches its final day.
The Nigerian contingent comprises 12 female and seven male athletes who will compete in athletics, boxing, road cycling, swimming, table tennis and beach volleyball.
The Games, scheduled to run from October 31 to November 13, will be staged across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly in Senegal, marking the first time an Olympic sporting event will take place on African soil.
With the opening ceremony just a day away, excitement is building among participating nations as young athletes prepare to showcase their abilities on the international stage.
Nigeria to participate in six Olympic sportsAthletics will account for the largest share of Nigeria’s delegation, with nine athletes expected to compete in different events.
Swimming will feature four representatives, while table tennis will have two athletes representing the country.
Nigeria will also feature one female boxer, one female road cyclist and a two-athlete women’s beach volleyball team.
The competition offers the young Nigerians an opportunity to gain valuable international exposure while testing themselves against some of the most promising sporting talents from around the world.
Although the opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, sporting activities have already commenced, with the Baseball5 competition getting underway on Friday morning.
The early start signals the beginning of competitive action ahead of the formal opening of the Games.
Table tennis and beach volleyball are scheduled to begin on October 31, while swimming will commence on November 1.
Boxing competitions will run from November 7 to 12, with athletics and road cycling scheduled for selected dates between November 8 and 10.
NSC backs Team NigeriaThe National Sports Commission (NSC), through its Grassroots Sports Development Department, has coordinated preparations for the Nigerian delegation ahead of the competition.
The athletes underwent a 21-day local camping programme designed to prepare them physically, technically and mentally for the challenges ahead.
The programme included medical screening, anti-doping education, technical and tactical training, kit fitting and other essential preparations.
The preparations form part of the commission’s efforts to strengthen grassroots sports development and provide young Nigerian athletes with opportunities to compete at major international competitions.
Opportunity for future starsThe Youth Olympic Games represent an important platform for emerging athletes to develop their competitive experience and measure their progress against international opposition.