NSC Charges Team Nigeria to Shine at Dakar Youth Olympics

Posted : 28 October 2026

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has charged Team Nigeria’s young athletes to uphold the country’s image through discipline, patriotism and fair play at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.

The Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, gave the charge on Tuesday in Abuja during a send-off ceremony for the Nigerian contingent ahead of their departure on Thursday.

Olopade described the Games as a historic opportunity for the athletes to showcase their talents at the first Youth Olympic Games to be hosted on African soil.

He urged them to maximise the opportunity, remain focused on their sporting careers and use the experience as a stepping stone towards future international competitions, including the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

“The Youth Olympics in Dakar is very historic, and you are making history by being part of the first Olympic Games to be held in Africa.

“This is why I am very confident that these Games will mark the beginning of greatness for all of you.

“We have selected you to represent the country in your various sports because you represent the core crop of our future stars. I want you all to stay focused, disciplined and passionate about your careers,” he said.

The NSC chief also reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the development of young athletes, assuring them of continued support for their sporting careers and education.

He noted that the Commission’s strategic grassroots development drive had produced initiatives such as the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) programme, which provides emerging talents with opportunities to develop and gain exposure.

According to him, the Dakar Games will further expose some of the country’s promising athletes discovered through the programme to international competition.

The ceremony featured the presentation of the athletes in Nigeria’s green-and-white national kits, followed by the formal handover of the contingent to the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).

Receiving the athletes, NOC President, Engr. Habu Gumel, assured the NSC that the contingent would receive adequate care and support from the NOC and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) throughout the competition.

Gumel also expressed confidence that the athletes would uphold the principles of clean sport, compete fairly and return home without blemish.

The 2026 Youth Olympic Games are scheduled to hold in Dakar, Senegal, from Oct. 31 to Nov. 13, with more than 2,700 young athletes from across the world expected to compete for honours.

The event marks a historic milestone for Africa, which will host the Youth Olympic Games for the first time.

NSC Charges Team Nigeria to Shine at Dakar Youth Olympics

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