Nwankwo and Kurt Named Captains for Nigeria at Dakar 2026

Rosemary Nwankwo and Matthew Kurt have been appointed as captains of Team Nigeria for the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games, which will take place in Dakar, Senegal. The announcement was made by Bukola Olawale Olopade, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), during the official send-off ceremony for the Nigerian contingent.

Nwankwo will lead the female athletes, while Kurt will captain the male athletes. Their appointments are aimed at providing leadership and motivation for the Nigerian athletes as they prepare to compete against international counterparts.

The captains are expected to foster unity among team members and demonstrate leadership beyond their individual sports. The Summer Youth Olympic Games will feature young athletes from around the world, offering a platform for emerging talents to gain international experience.

The Nigerian contingent's preparation includes the selection of these captains, who will play a crucial role in representing Nigeria across various sporting disciplines.