Dakar 2026: Beyioku and Alabi Back Nigeria’s Young Athletes to Deliver Greatness

Posted : 07 November 2026

National Sports Commission (NSC) officials Prince Adeniyi Beyioku and Olalekan Alabi have expressed confidence in Nigeria's young athletes at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, predicting a bright future for the country's emerging sporting talents.

Their comments came as the competition crossed its halfway stage, with Team Nigeria still searching for its first medal. The country's closest opportunity came on Wednesday when swimmer Obatoyinbo Kashope Eyituoyo finished sixth in the men's 50m freestyle final.

Eyituoyo had earlier secured his place in the final after narrowly winning a swim-off against his Bahraini opponent. He clocked 23.55 seconds, just ahead of the competitor's 23.56 seconds.

Although he missed out on a medal, his achievement was recognised by Nigerian officials. He became the first Nigerian athlete to reach a final at the ongoing competition, demonstrating the determination and potential of the country's young sportsmen.

Speaking after the swimming event, Beyioku, the NSC Director of Grassroots Sports, praised the athletes for their discipline and commitment.

He noted that reaching the medal positions at an international competition requires courage, determination and self-discipline. He also expressed confidence that Nigeria's athletes would eventually convert their efforts into medals.

Beyioku said the performances recorded so far showed that the young athletes possessed the character required to succeed at higher levels of competition.

Similarly, Alabi, the Assistant Director of Grassroots Sports, encouraged the athletes to view the Youth Olympic Games as an important stage in their sporting development.

He urged them to remain focused, improve their performances and approach their remaining events with greater determination, particularly as attention shifts to athletics.

The two officials also commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission, particularly Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, for their commitment to building a stronger foundation for Nigerian sports.

Attention will now shift to athletics, where Nigeria's registered competitors will begin their campaigns between November 8 and 10. The events will take place at the Complexe Iba Mar Diop in Dakar.

Rosemary Chigozie Nwankwo will lead Nigeria's athletics charge. The 17-year-old sprinter is among the country's brightest prospects and will compete in the women's 100m.

Nwankwo arrives in Dakar with valuable international experience. She won gold in the women's 4x100m relay at the 2026 African Athletics Championships in Accra and previously claimed silver medals in the 100m and 200m at the 2025 African U18/U20 Athletics Championships.

However, questions emerged over Nigeria's athletics representation after reports suggested that four of the nine athletes initially listed would not compete.

NSC member and former Olympian Yusuf Alli clarified that only five athletes were officially registered by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) for competition. The remaining four were brought to Dakar by the commission to gain international exposure.

Alli explained that the decision followed appeals from athletes who missed the final selection. NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade approved their inclusion as part of the commission's commitment to exposing young talents to international sporting environments.

He cited former Nigerian quarter-miler Henry Amike's experience at the 1980 Moscow Olympics as an example of how international exposure can encourage young athletes to remain committed to sports.

The clarification addressed concerns surrounding the selection process and the participation of the additional athletes.

Nigeria's campaign in Dakar remains an important opportunity to assess its grassroots sports development efforts. With athletics now taking centre stage, the young competitors will be eager to translate their preparation and international exposure into strong performances.

Beyioku and Alabi remain confident that the determination displayed by the athletes will eventually produce greater achievements for Nigerian sports.

Dakar 2026: Beyioku and Alabi Back Nigeria’s Young Athletes to Deliver Greatness

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