Nigeria’s medal hopes at the ongoing Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games are increasingly resting on the country’s athletics team following disappointing exits in some other sporting events.
The Nigerian table tennis representatives, Favour Ojo and Matthew Kuti, have exited the competition, while the country’s beach volleyball campaign also ended after a defeat to the Netherlands.
However, there is still optimism within the Nigerian camp, particularly with athletics now expected to provide fresh opportunities for medals.
Nigeria has nine athletes in the track and field competition, comprising five female and four male competitors. The team includes sprinter Rosemary Nwankwo, alongside other promising young athletes such as Rita Chisom Ezeh, Treasure Omosiwe and Faith Ezechukwu.
The athletics contingent will be hoping to turn Nigeria’s fortunes around as the competition continues.
For these young athletes, the Youth Olympics represent more than just a chance to win medals. It is also an opportunity to gain international experience, compete against some of the world’s best emerging talents and build confidence for future senior competitions.
Nigerian sports fans will be watching closely to see whether the country’s athletics prospects can deliver the breakthrough performances needed to improve the medal tally.
