Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games: Nigeria joins historic opening

Team Nigeria joined athletes from across the world at the opening ceremony of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal on Saturday, marking the start of the first Olympic sporting event to be hosted on African soil.

Led by sprinter Rosemary Chigozie Nwankwo, Nigeria’s flagbearer, the contingent marched into the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio during a ceremony celebrating African culture, unity and sporting excellence.

The fourth edition of the Summer Youth Olympic Games brings together young athletes from across the world for 13 days of competition across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.

Senegal’s hosting of the event represents a historic milestone for the continent, making it the first African country to stage an Olympic sporting competition.

Nwankwo, one of Nigeria’s medal prospects, led the country’s 19 athletes into the stadium, carrying the national flag before thousands of spectators and a global audience.

The sprinter is expected to compete in the women’s 100 metres, where she will seek to convert her potential into a podium finish.

The opening ceremony featured music, dance and cultural performances showcasing Senegalese traditions and hospitality.

A major highlight was the arrival of the Youth Olympic flame at the stadium after a journey through Senegal’s 14 administrative regions that lasted more than 45 days.

The flame was carried around the stadium before the official cauldron was lit, formally signalling the start of the Games.

Nigeria will compete in six sports: athletics, boxing, road cycling, swimming, table tennis and beach volleyball.

The contingent comprises 19 athletes, including 12 women and seven men.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games provide young athletes with an international platform to compete and gain experience in a multi-sport event.