IOC Appoints Nigeria’s Olufunke Oshonaike to Athletes’ Commission

Posted : 06 December 2025

Seven-time Olympian Olufunke Oshonaike has made history by becoming the first Nigerian appointed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission, following her nomination by IOC President Kirsty Coventry.

Oshonaike—one of Africa’s most accomplished table tennis players—joins four other newly appointed members selected to complete the Commission’s lineup ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

In its official announcement, the IOC confirmed the appointments of Soraya Hajiagha (Iran, badminton), Husein Alireza (Saudi Arabia, rowing), Cheick Cissé (Côte d’Ivoire, taekwondo), Mariana Pajón (Colombia, cycling), and Olufunke Oshonaike (Nigeria, table tennis). The selections were made in consultation with IOC Athletes’ Commission Chair Emma Terho.

Coventry praised the newly appointed members, stating:
“The Athletes’ Commission is essential in ensuring that athletes remain at the centre of everything we do. I am deeply grateful for the commitment and wealth of experience our new members bring to global athlete representation.”

Oshonaike, who competed in seven consecutive Olympic Games from Atlanta 1996 to Tokyo 2020, currently serves on both the Nigeria National Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission and the Nigeria Table Tennis Athletes’ Commission.

Her fellow African inductee, Cheick Sallah Cissé, is an Olympic gold medallist from Rio 2016 and co-chair of the World Taekwondo Athletes’ Commission.

With the latest appointments, the IOC Athletes’ Commission now includes 23 members drawn from all continents, including a representative of the Refugee Olympic Team. The Commission comprises 13 women and 10 men, covering 15 summer sports and five winter sports.

Chair Emma Terho welcomed the additions, noting:
“Their diverse backgrounds and achievements will strengthen our discussions and enhance our advocacy for athletes worldwide.”

Expressing her excitement, Oshonaike said she was honoured to represent Nigeria and Africa:
“I am thrilled. During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games campaign, I received tremendous support from my country and athletes around the world. This appointment shows that my contributions were recognised. It has always been my dream to give back to the sport that transformed my life.”

The IOC Athletes’ Commission plays a vital role in the Olympic Movement, ensuring athletes’ voices and interests are represented at the highest decision-making levels. The Commission consists of up to 23 members: 12 elected by athletes during the Olympic Games and 11 appointed by the IOC President to ensure balanced representation across gender, regions, and sports disciplines.

IOC Appoints Nigeria’s Olufunke Oshonaike to Athletes’ Commission

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