Nigeria's 19 Athletes Ready for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics

Team Nigeria is preparing for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, which will commence on October 31, 2026, in Senegal. The Nigerian contingent consists of 19 athletes, including 12 women and seven men, competing in six sports: athletics, boxing, road cycling, swimming, table tennis, and beach volleyball.

Athletics will feature the largest representation with nine athletes, comprising five women and four men. The swimming team includes four athletes (two women and two men), while table tennis will have one male and one female athlete.

Additionally, Nigeria will have one female boxer, one female road cyclist, and a two-athlete women's beach volleyball team. The athletes are currently finalizing their preparations after a 21-day local camping program that started on October 9 and will conclude on October 29.

This program included medical screenings, anti-doping education, and technical training. The opening ceremony will take place at the Diamniadio Olympic Stadium, with competitions in table tennis and beach volleyball starting the same day.

The National Sports Commission has encouraged the athletes to represent Nigeria proudly.