Athletics sensation Rosemary Chigozie Nwankwo led Team Naija as flag bearer
Team Nigeria joined the colourful spectacle and pageantry of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games opening ceremony on Saturday, as the historic global sporting event officially got underway in Dakar, Senegal, with a vibrant celebration of African culture, unity and sporting excellence.
Led by athletics sensation Rosemary Chigozie Nwankwo, Nigeria’s flagbearer, the Nigerian contingent proudly marched into the packed Abdoulaye Wade Stadium at Diamniadio, showcasing the country’s colours to thousands of spectators and a global audience.
The opening ceremony marked a historic moment for Africa, with Senegal becoming the first African country to host an Olympic sporting event, as young athletes from across the world gathered for the fourth edition of the Summer Youth Olympic Games.
Nwankwo, one of Nigeria’s brightest medal prospects at the Games, carried the national flag with pride, symbolising the aspirations of the country’s 19 athletes competing across six sports.
The young sprinter is expected to be among Nigeria’s leading contenders in athletics, particularly in the women’s 100m, where she will be looking to translate her impressive potential into a podium finish.
The ceremony was a spectacular display of Senegalese culture and hospitality, with music, dance, colourful performances and elaborate choreography setting the tone for 13 days of competition across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
One of the defining moments of the evening came with the arrival of the Youth Olympic flame at the stadium, following an extraordinary journey through Senegal’s 14 administrative regions over more than 45 days.
The flame was carried around the stadium before the lighting of the official cauldron, formally ushering in the Games and symbolising the spirit of friendship, peace and unity that underpins the Olympic movement.
The packed stadium at Diamniadio provided a fitting backdrop for the historic occasion, as Nigeria dazzled in their colourful green and white attire.
Nigeria will compete in athletics, boxing, road cycling, swimming, table tennis and beach volleyball. The contingent comprises 19 athletes, including 12 women and seven men.
Photo: Nigerian athletes (Athletics Africa)
