A total 19 athletes representing Nigeria at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal will depart the country on Thursday for the international sport fiesta.
A media adviser in the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mr. Mike Obasi told The Eagle Times yesterday that the athletes, who were carefully selected by team officials, will compete in six sports, namely swimming , athletics, boxing, cycling, beach volleyball and table tennis.
Meanwhile, the contingent has been charged to be good ambassadors of the country and compete with pride, dignity and patriotism at the Games in Dakar, Senegal.
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade gave the young athletes the charge during their send forth ceremony held on Tuesday in Abuja.
The DG called on the athletes to make the best use of the opportunity the country has given them to represent Nigeria at the first ever Youth Olympic Games holding in Africa and motivate them to further dream big ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
He assured them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fatherly commitment to their growth and development both in sports and their education.
“The Youth Olympic in Dakar is very historic and you all are making history makers to be part of the first Olympic Games to be held in Africa. This is why I am very confidence that this games will mark the beginning of greatness for all of you.
“We have selected you all to represent the country in your various sports because you represent the core crop of our future stars and I want you all all to stay focused, disciplined and passionate about your careers”.
The DG said the Commision has been laying huge emphasis on an aggressive and strategic grassroots drive which has produced programs like IJA – the invited Junior Athletes and the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar will further give exposure to some of the country’s exciting young athletes from the IJA Program.
The Nigerian athletes were presented in their colorful and gorgeous green and white national kits, as the NSC officially handed them over to the Nigeria Olympic Commiteee, NOC as they get set to depart the country for Dakar on Thursday.
While receiving the athletes, the President of the Nigeria Olympic Commiteee, NOC, Engr Habu Gumel assured the Commission that the athletes will be well taken care of in Dakar by the International Olympic Commitee, IOC and the NOC and further assured that they will all compete clean and return to the country clean after the Games.
The Youth Olympics in Senegal, is expected to welcome over 2700 young athletes from all over the world, competing for honors and national pride from October 31 to November 13 in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal