Nigeria will send 19 young athletes to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic sporting event to be held in Africa.
The Games begin on October 31 and continue until November 13 across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly in Senegal. Approximately 2,700 athletes will compete in 153 medal events, giving many of the participants their first experience of a major global multi-sport competition.
Nigeria’s team contains 12 female and seven male athletes competing in athletics, swimming, boxing, road cycling, table tennis and beach volleyball.
Athletics
Nine athletes will represent Nigeria in track and field:
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- Treasure Omosiwe
- Rosemary Nwankwo
- Rita Chisom Ezeh
- Faith Ezechukwu
- Praise Ugoh
- Gift Bright
- Gift Oghenerunor
- Obanla Ehuwa
- Godswill Nkemakolam
Athletics has produced many of Nigeria’s most recognisable Olympians, but Dakar should be viewed as part of these athletes’ development rather than a final judgement on their potential. Competition against leading performers in their age group will provide a clearer picture of where they stand internationally.
Swimming
Nigeria’s four swimmers are:
- Akinsanmi Omolola
- Kristabel Chisa Oldeide
- Aidan Dumuje-Abili
- Kashope Obatoyinbo
Swimming begins on November 1. The Nigerian contingent will be attempting to improve personal times and gain experience in a sport where access to facilities and elite competition remains a challenge at home.
Table tennis
Favour Ojo and Mathew Kuti will represent Nigeria in table tennis, with their competition beginning on the opening day.
Kuti is already regarded as one of the country’s promising young players and will be competing in a sport where Nigeria has a strong continental tradition. Dakar offers both players the chance to test themselves beyond the African circuit.
Boxing
Shukurat Mayowa is Nigeria’s only boxing representative and will compete in the women’s 48kg division. Boxing is scheduled for the second week of the Games, from November 7 to 12.
Nigeria has regularly produced talented amateur boxers, although the pathway from youth competition to senior international success has not always been consistent. Mayowa’s performance will provide valuable experience regardless of how far she progresses.
Road cycling
Ringnan Danjuma will compete in the women’s road race and individual time trial.
Road cycling is one of the most demanding events on the programme, requiring endurance, tactical awareness and the ability to manage different course conditions. Danjuma will be Nigeria’s sole representative in the sport.
Beach volleyball
Pamela Bawa and Joy Lawrence will compete together in the women’s beach-volleyball event, which begins on October 31.
Nigeria has enjoyed regional success in beach volleyball, and Dakar provides an opportunity to measure the country’s young players against opponents from different continents. Communication and consistency will be particularly important in a discipline where only two players cover the court.
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