Olopade Urges Team Nigeria to Avoid Medal Pressure as NSC Secures FIVB Support

Posted : 03 November 2026

National Sports Commission (NSC) Director General Bukola Olopade has urged Nigerian athletes competing at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, to prioritise personal development and international experience rather than pursue medals at all costs.

Olopade delivered the message during a meeting with Team Nigeria athletes and officials at the Games Village. He reminded the young competitors that the tournament provides an important platform for exposure, capacity building and preparation for future international competitions.

His comments followed table tennis player Matthew Kuti's first victory at the Games. Kuti defeated Tunisia's Youssef Aidli 3-1 in a men's singles preliminary match after losing his opening encounter 3-0 to Hong Kong's Ho Ki Li.

The Nigerian won the first two games 11-8 and 11-8 before Aidli claimed the third 11-9. Kuti responded in the fourth game, winning 11-7 to secure his first victory in the competition.

However, the victory was not enough to guarantee qualification for the knockout stage. Kuti subsequently lost 3-0 to Italy's Francesco Travesan in his final group match, ending his singles campaign.

Addressing the athletes, Olopade urged them to represent Nigeria with pride while avoiding unnecessary pressure to win medals.

"I charge you all to be worthy ambassadors in this Youth Olympics. You must know that the essence of this tournament is exposure and capacity building, as well as helping you gain international experience ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. We will appreciate it if the medals come your way here in Dakar, but I don't want anyone to put you under undue pressure to win medals at all costs," he said.

He also singled out team captain Rosemary Nwankwo, expressing confidence in her ability to secure a podium finish because of her previous international experience at the World Athletics Relays in Botswana and the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana.

Meanwhile, the NSC has secured a commitment from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) to support the development of volleyball in Nigeria.

The agreement followed a meeting between Nigerian sports officials and representatives of the world governing body in Dakar. The proposed partnership will provide technical assistance, funding, coaching expertise and other resources for beach and indoor volleyball.

The initiative will also target grassroots development, talent identification, elite performance, coaching education, refereeing standards and competition structures.

Speaking after the meeting, Olopade welcomed the federation's commitment and described the discussions as productive.

He said the proposed support would strengthen Nigeria's volleyball development programme and help the country discover more talented players.

The NSC director general also highlighted Nigeria's qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games in beach volleyball as an important achievement that could provide momentum for further development.

Nigeria's beach volleyball qualification marks the country's first appearance in the discipline at the Olympic Games.

The partnership represents an opportunity to strengthen the country's volleyball infrastructure while expanding development pathways for young players.

Olopade Urges Team Nigeria to Avoid Medal Pressure as NSC Secures FIVB Support

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