Nigeria to Send 19 Athletes to Dakar Youth Olympics

Nigeria will send 19 athletes to compete in six sports at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, as Senegal completes preparations for the event’s October 31 opening. The National Sports Commission says the Nigerian team comprises 12 women and seven men. The Games are scheduled to run through November 13 across three host zones in Senegal: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly. Nigeria’s athletes will compete in athletics, boxing, road cycling, swimming, table tennis and beach volleyball. Athletics is the largest part of the delegation, with nine competitors, followed by four swimmers and two table tennis players. The team also includes one boxer, one road cyclist and a two-athlete women’s beach volleyball team. The commission says the contingent’s 21-day training camp began October 9 and is scheduled to end October 29. Preparations have included medical screening, anti-doping education, technical and tactical training, kit fitting and travel documentation. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Diamniadio Olympic Stadium, with table tennis and beach volleyball competitions also due to begin October 31. Separately, 15 buses and security equipment donated by Qatar have arrived in Dakar,...