Nigeria Targets Record Medal Haul at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

Posted : 26 October 2026

Nigeria is targeting its best-ever performance at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games as the country prepares to compete in Dakar, Senegal. The Nigerian contingent hopes to surpass its previous medal records when the competition begins on October 31.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has prepared a team for six sports: athletics, boxing, road cycling, swimming, table tennis and beach volleyball. The athletes have been in camp in Abuja since October 9 and are scheduled to depart for Senegal on October 29.

Nigeria's best Youth Olympic Games medal haul came at the inaugural edition in Singapore in 2010. The country won four medals, comprising two gold, one silver and one bronze, to finish 29th on the overall medal table.

Nigeria also won four medals at the 2018 edition in Buenos Aires, Argentina. That campaign produced one gold and three silver medals, although the country finished 48th in the overall standings.

The Nigerian team will now attempt to improve on those results in Dakar. The 2026 Games will mark the first time an Olympic sporting event has been held on African soil, giving the continent an important opportunity to showcase its young sporting talent.

A team official praised the NSC for providing adequate preparation ahead of the competition. The official expressed confidence that the athletes could surpass Nigeria's previous medal records, citing the camping programme and the commission's preparations.

Nigeria has produced notable performances in previous editions of the Youth Olympic Games, particularly in athletics. At Singapore 2010, Josephine Omaka won the women's 100 metres gold medal, while Nkiruka Florence Nwakwe claimed gold in the women's 200 metres.

At Buenos Aires 2018, Rosemary Chukwuma secured Nigeria's only gold medal in the girls' 100 metres. Alaba Akintola also made history by becoming the first Nigerian male athlete to win an athletics medal at the Youth Olympic Games.

These achievements provide a foundation for the current generation as the team prepares to compete against young athletes from around the world.

Nigeria's campaign will begin with table tennis and beach volleyball on October 31, the opening day of the Games. Swimming is scheduled to begin on November 1, while boxing will take place from November 7 to 12.

Athletics and road cycling competitions are scheduled for selected dates between November 8 and 10. These events could provide important opportunities for Nigeria to increase its medal tally.

The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will run from October 31 to November 13, bringing together young athletes from across the world. The competition will take place across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, with the opening ceremony scheduled for the Diamniadio Olympic Stadium.

The NSC's preparation programme includes medical screening, anti-doping education, technical and tactical training, kit fitting and travel documentation. The operational plan is designed to ensure that Nigerian athletes are ready for their respective events.

Nigeria Targets Record Medal Haul at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

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