Team Nigeria dazzled at the opening ceremony of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games on Saturday, marching into the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio in the country’s green and white colours.
The National Sports Commission disclosed this in a statement signed by Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media to the Director General, on Sunday.
Athletics star Rosemary Nwankwo led the Nigerian contingent as flagbearer before thousands of spectators and a global audience. Nwankwo is one of the country’s brightest medal prospects at the Games, and she is expected to contend for a podium place in the women’s 100m.
The ceremony made history as Senegal became the first African country to host an Olympic sporting event. Young athletes from across the world gathered for the fourth edition of the Summer Youth Olympic Games.
The evening featured music, dance and elaborate choreography that showcased Senegalese culture and hospitality. It set the tone for 13 days of competition across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
One of the highlights was the arrival of the Youth Olympic flame, which had travelled through Senegal’s 14 administrative regions over more than 45 days. It was carried around the stadium before the official cauldron was lit to open the Games.
Nigeria will compete in athletics, boxing, road cycling, swimming, table tennis and beach volleyball. The contingent comprises 19 athletes, made up of 12 women and seven men.
