Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) president Habu Gumel has assured Team Nigeria of adequate support ahead of the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, urging the country’s young athletes to compete with discipline and make the nation proud.
Gumel gave the assurance in Abuja on Tuesday, October 27, during the handover of the Nigerian contingent by the National Sports Commission (NSC) ahead of the competition.
He expressed confidence in the athletes selected to represent Nigeria, adding that the country would aim to build on its previous performances at the Youth Olympics.
The NOC president also commended the NSC chairman and director general for their efforts in preparing the contingent, particularly in training, welfare and the provision of kits.
Gumel backs athletes’ preparationsGumel praised the commission’s commitment to ensuring that the athletes were adequately prepared for the international competition.
“I want to thank the Chairman and the Director General of the National Sports Commission for what they have done in training, welfare and kitting the athletes. I am so happy with this, and I am sure that by the time they arrive in Dakar, everybody will look at them well,” he said.
He assured the NSC leadership that the NOC would collaborate with the commission to provide the necessary assistance throughout the Games.
The Youth Olympics will be held in Dakar from October 31 to November 13, 2026, marking the first time an Olympic sporting event will be hosted on African soil.
According to the International Olympic Committee,
The Games will bring together young athletes from across the world for the historic competition.
NOC chief warns against doping
Gumel urged the Nigerian athletes to uphold the principles of clean sport and avoid doping or any misconduct that could damage the country’s reputation.
He stressed that every member of the contingent must return home after the competition, warning the athletes against actions that could compromise their integrity.
“I want to assure you that we will take a clean contingent to Dakar and bring back a clean contingent to Nigeria again. The total number of the contingent that they have given us is the total number that will return to Nigeria. Nobody will disappear,” Gumel said.
He further encouraged the athletes to remain disciplined and seek assistance from the relevant authorities whenever necessary.
“Remain clean, behave well and make Nigeria proud. It is very, very important. The National Sports Commission and the Nigerian Olympic Committee are there to assist you in any area you need our support,” he added.
Gumel welcomes medal rewardsThe NOC president also welcomed the NSC’s announcement of cash rewards for athletes who win medals at the Games, describing the initiative as an added incentive for the young competitors.
He encouraged the athletes to approach the competition as an opportunity to gain valuable international experience and prepare for future appearances at the senior Olympic Games.
Gumel noted that participating in the Youth Olympics marked an important milestone in their sporting careers, regardless of the medals they eventually won.
“By the time you return to Nigeria, consider yourselves already Olympians. You will call yourselves Olympians and join the Olympian Association. Participation is key and very important. You are going to be the future Olympians of this country,” he said.
Nigeria targets strong showing in DakarGumel expressed optimism that Nigeria would make a strong impression at the opening ceremony, particularly through the contingent’s appearance, national colours and march past.
He praised the kits provided for the athletes and wished them success as they prepared to compete against their counterparts from other countries.
Nigeria is expected to compete in six sports at Dakar 2026: athletics, boxing, road cycling, swimming, table tennis and beach volleyball.
The Games will provide an opportunity for the country’s emerging talents to gain international exposure, showcase their abilities and take important steps towards future elite-level competitions.
Gumel reiterated the NOC’s commitment to working with the NSC to support the athletes’ welfare and participation, expressing confidence that the contingent would represent Nigeria with pride.
With the opening ceremony scheduled for October 31, attention will now turn to Team Nigeria’s performance as the country seeks to make its mark at the historic Games.