Team Nigeria has recorded its best-ever appearance at the Youth Olympic Games, winning three gold medals at Dakar 2026 in Senegal to surpass the country’s previous best performance at the competition since its debut.
It was a remarkable campaign defined by historic victories, record-breaking performances and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sporting talents, with three athletes etching their names into the country’s sporting history.
Nigeria’s gold-medal haul came through Bright Gift, Rosemary Nwankwo and Praise Ugoh, whose outstanding performances in athletics delivered an unprecedented sprint double and a landmark victory in the women’s 400m.
Bright Gift made history by becoming the first Nigerian to win the men’s 100m title at the Youth Olympic Games, clocking an impressive 10.28 seconds to claim gold and set a new Games record.
Rosemary Nwankwo’s victory in the women’s 100m, completing Nigeria’s historic sprint double. Her 11.16-second performance made Nigeria the first country to win both the men’s and women’s 100m titles at the same edition of the Youth Olympic Games.
Praise Ugoh completed Nigeria’s golden campaign by winning the women’s 400m in a personal best of 52.76 seconds, becoming the first Nigerian to claim the event’s title at the Youth Olympic Games.
The three victories represent a new high for Nigeria at the competition, surpassing the two gold medals won at the inaugural edition in Singapore in 2010.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has attributed the progress of Nigerian youth sports to sustained efforts in grassroots development, talent identification and the creation of competitive platforms through which young athletes can be discovered, nurtured and prepared for international competition.
The two technocrats, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, embody a commitment to grassroots sports development that has continued to drive initiatives aimed at building a strong pipeline of future champions.
A major component of this strategy is the Commission’s Invited Junior Athletes Initiative, alongside the National Sports Festival and the hosting of the CAA Africa U18/U20 Athletics Championships in Abeokuta. These platforms have provided opportunities for emerging talents to compete, gain exposure and progress towards representing Nigeria on the international stage.
The Director of Grassroots Sports Development at the Commission, Prince Niyi Beyeku, and other key players including Lekan Alabi epitomize the dedicated team behind implementing programmes and initiatives that strengthen talent discovery and development across the country.
The Nigeria Olympic Committee, under the leadership of its President, Engr. Habu Gumel, remained consistent in its support and leadership in coordinating Nigeria’s participation at the Games.
The Commission applauds all athletes’ coaches, technical officials, medical personnel and backroom staff whose hard work, preparation and dedication contributed to the team’s historic outing.
Beyond the medals, Nigeria’s performance in Dakar represents a significant statement about the country’s sporting future. The emergence of these young champions reinforces the importance of sustained grassroots investment and provides renewed optimism about Nigeria’s capacity to produce world-class athletes.
SIGNED:
Kola Daniel,
S.A. Media,
Office of the Director General,
National Sports Commission.
November 11, 2026
