Dakar 2026: Oshodi Says Youth Olympics Proves Africa's Readiness for Global Sports Events

Posted : 09 November 2026

International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Africa President Wahid Oshodi has described the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games as evidence of Africa's growing capacity to host major international sporting competitions.

Oshodi said the organisation of the Games has provided an opportunity for the continent to showcase its hospitality, cultural heritage and ability to deliver sporting events that meet international standards.

Speaking on the sidelines of the competition in Senegal, the former Lagos State Commissioner for Sports praised the organisation, transportation arrangements and reception given to athletes, officials and visitors.

"Everything has been fine. Transportation has been excellent, the people have been overwhelmingly nice, and the competition has been very good," Oshodi said.

He also described the opening ceremony as exceptional, highlighting the cultural performances that celebrated Africa's identity and heritage.

"The cultural displays brought everything home to us in Africa and made us proud. Overall, everyone has been warm and welcoming, and the events have been very well organised," he added.

According to Oshodi, the Youth Olympic Games represents an important opportunity for Africa to demonstrate its strengths beyond sporting performances. He believes the successful hosting of the competition can strengthen the continent's reputation as a destination for major international sporting events.

Oshodi reflects on sports administration journey

The ITTF Africa president also reflected on his journey in sports administration, which began at the Lagos State Sports Council in 1999.

Over the years, he has held several positions within Nigerian, African and international sporting organisations. These include the Lagos State Table Tennis Association, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, African Table Tennis Federation and International Table Tennis Federation.

He has also served in the Nigeria Olympic Committee and participated in various International Olympic Committee working groups. He currently holds the position of an Executive Vice President of the ITTF.

Despite his extensive administrative experience, Oshodi identified successful team performances in table tennis as some of his most memorable achievements.

He explained that proper planning, structured preparation, quality coaching and effective training were responsible for some of the team's biggest successes.

"When you win team events in table tennis, those are the big medals. We planned well, prepared well, trained properly, and brought in the right coaches and everything worked out the way we intended," he said.

Passion and expertise in sports development

Oshodi also highlighted the importance of passion, technical knowledge and professional education in developing athletes and sports administrators.

He recalled his early interactions with Nigerian table tennis star Quadri Aruna, whose ambition to become the greatest table tennis player ever convinced him of the player's potential.

The veteran administrator stressed that effective sports management requires more than a personal love for sporting activities. He noted that administrators must understand the technical and professional demands of the industry.

"It is one thing to love sports. It is another thing entirely to be an administrator," Oshodi said, adding that the educational requirements and responsibilities of sports administration are often underestimated.

During the Dakar Games, Oshodi also met with International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry and former IOC President Thomas Bach.

His assessment of the competition highlights the significance of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games beyond the sporting arena, particularly its role in demonstrating Africa's organisational capacity and strengthening the continent's position in international sports.

Dakar 2026: Oshodi Says Youth Olympics Proves Africa's Readiness for Global Sports Events

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