Nigeria Prepares Young Athletes for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics

Nigeria is intensifying its preparations for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, which will occur from October 31 to November 13, 2026. This event marks Africa's first Olympic sporting event, bringing together approximately 2,700 athletes aged 17 and under from around the globe.

Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), emphasized that the Games provide an opportunity to identify and nurture Nigeria's next generation of sporting stars. The competition will include 25 sports and 10 engagement sports, fostering a platform for high-level competition and interaction.

The Games will be hosted across three zones in Senegal: Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly. As the event approaches, there is a growing focus on the young athletes representing Nigeria, who will gain invaluable international experience.

The NSC is committed to supporting these emerging talents, ensuring that Nigeria's participation in international youth competitions strengthens the pipeline for future Olympic athletes.