The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has charged Nigerian athletes to demonstrate discipline, courage and sportsmanship as they compete for medals at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.

In a statement signed by Celisus Ebare of the Office of the Director-General and CEO, NIS, ADC, Abuja, Shaibu urged the young athletes to pursue victory through hard work and fair play, warning against cheating or any conduct capable of damaging Nigeria’s image on the international stage. Blueprint reports

The former deputy governor of Edo state said the Games provide an important opportunity for Nigerian youths to showcase their talents, represent the country with pride and demonstrate the values that underpin international sports.

He stressed that while winning medals remains an important objective, the manner in which athletes achieve success is equally significant.

According to him, Nigerian athletes must uphold integrity and discipline throughout the competition, ensuring that their performances reflect positively on the country.

Shaibu added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was working to rebuild Nigeria’s image for present and future generations, stressing that any conduct capable of undermining those efforts at an international event would be unacceptable.

He therefore called on Team Nigeria to be worthy ambassadors of the country both on and off the field of play.

Nigeria sends 17 athletes to compete in five sports

Team Nigeria comprises 17 athletes who are expected to compete in five sports at the Dakar Games: athletics, table tennis, swimming, beach volleyball and cycling.

The contingent will be accompanied by six coaches who will provide technical guidance and support as the athletes compete against some of the world’s promising young talents.

Shaibu expressed confidence in the team’s ability to make the country proud, urging the athletes to remain focused, give their best and aim for gold while respecting the rules of their respective sports.

He also reaffirmed the NIS commitment to athlete development, emphasising the importance of combining technical preparation with discipline, integrity and the right competitive attitude.

The participation of young Nigerian athletes at the Games offers an opportunity to assess their abilities against international opposition and gain experience that could support their progression to senior national teams.

Dakar 2026 makes Olympic history for Africa

The Youth Olympic Games, known as Dakar 2026, will take place from October 31 to November 13 in Senegal, marking the first time an Olympic sporting event is being hosted on African soil.

The historic edition will bring together approximately 2,700 young athletes from around the world for a programme featuring 25 competition sports and 10 additional engagement sports.

The Games will feature 153 medal events, with competitions and activities spread across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.

Beyond the medals, the event is designed to promote youth development, cultural exchange, education and the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect.

The Youth Olympic Games differ from the senior Olympic Games by focusing on young athletes while incorporating educational and cultural activities intended to support their personal development alongside sporting competition.

For Senegal and the wider African continent, hosting the event represents an opportunity to showcase the continent’s sporting potential, organisational capacity and cultural heritage to a global audience.

A platform for developing future champions

The Youth Olympic Games have provided an international stage for emerging athletes to test themselves against their peers, gain exposure and develop the experience required for higher levels of competition.

Several athletes who participated in previous editions later became prominent figures in senior international sports, including South African swimmer Chad le Clos, British diver Tom Daley and American sprinter Noah Lyles.

For Nigeria, the Dakar edition presents an opportunity to identify and nurture young talents capable of contributing to the country’s future performances at the African Games, Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games and other international competitions.

Participation alone, however, does not guarantee future success. Consistent coaching, access to facilities, athlete welfare, competition opportunities and sustained investment remain important to turning youth potential into long-term achievement.

Shaibu’s emphasis on integrity also places responsibility on the athletes to understand that sporting success must be achieved within the rules and spirit of competition.

Shaibu charges athletes to protect Nigeria’s image

The NIS chief maintained that the young athletes must recognise the responsibility that comes with representing Nigeria at an international event.

He urged them to remain courteous, bold and disciplined while respecting opponents, officials and the rules governing their events.

His warning against cheating reflects the importance of fair competition in protecting the credibility of sporting results and the reputation of both athletes and their country.

As Team Nigeria prepares to compete in Dakar, the athletes will be expected not only to pursue medals but also to demonstrate character, resilience and respect for the Olympic movement.

Shaibu reiterated the Institute’s commitment to developing athletes who can compete at the highest level while upholding the values of integrity and sportsmanship.

With the Games set to make history in Africa, Nigeria’s young competitors will have an opportunity to contribute to the occasion through their performances and conduct, while laying the groundwork for their future sporting careers.