Team Nigeria Departing for 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar

Team Nigeria is heading to Dakar, Senegal, from Abuja on October 29, 2026, to participate in the 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The Nigerian contingent consists of 19 athletes, including 12 females and 7 males, competing in athletics, boxing, road cycling, swimming, table tennis, and beach volleyball.

The Games, commencing on October 31, 2026, will be the first Olympic event hosted on African soil, featuring over 2,700 young athletes globally. Athletics star Rosemary Nwankwo and table tennis player Matthew Kurt have been appointed as captains of Team Nigeria.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has emphasized the importance of pride, discipline, and patriotism for the athletes. The team underwent a 21-day local camping exercise starting on October 9, which included medical screenings and training.

The athletes are scheduled to arrive in Senegal on October 30 for accreditation and equipment checks. The competition will occur across three host zones, with various sports events scheduled from October 31 to November 13, 2026.

The Federal Government has announced financial rewards for medal winners.