By Amaechi Agbo
Team Nigeria has departed for Dakar, Senegal, ahead of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games due to start on Saturday
The Nigerian contingent departed through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, carrying the country’s hopes of making a strong impression at the competition, which will bring together promising young athletes from across the world.Buy Maps
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will provide a platform for emerging Nigerian talents to compete against some of the best young athletes internationally, gain valuable competitive experience and showcase their abilities on the global stage.
The event is particularly significant for Nigeria’s long-term sporting development, offering young athletes an opportunity to gain exposure to elite international competition while representing the country in their respective disciplines.
Team Nigeria’s participation also reflects the importance of investing in youth sports, identifying emerging talents and providing them with opportunities to develop into future senior national team athletes.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS) Comrade Philip Shaibu has charged Nigerian athletes to be courteous, bold and disciplined as they pursue medals at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
The DG said the Games provide a platform for Nigerian youths to showcase talent and national pride on the global stage.
The immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State urged the athletes to compete in the true spirit of fair play and sportsmanship.
He emphasized that medals must be won without cheating or any act that could bring Nigeria’s name into disrepute. According to him, the image of the country is a priority that must be protected at all times.
Comrade Shaibu added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu* is working hard to rebuild Nigeria’s image for the present and the future.
He said any conduct that tarnishes that image at an international event like the Youth Olympics will be unacceptable. The DG called on the athletes to be good ambassadors on and off the field.
Team Nigeria is made up of 17 athletes who will compete in five sports allocated by the International Olympic Committee.
The events where Nigeria will feature are Athletics, Table Tennis, Swimming, Beach Volleyball, and Cycling*. The contingent will be supported by six coaches who will accompany the team to Dakar.
The NIS boss expressed confidence that the young athletes have the capacity to make the nation proud.
He reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to athlete development and urged the team to go for gold while upholding integrity, discipline and the values of the Olympic movement.
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