Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics: Nigeria wins three gold medals in athletics
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Vanguard
Nigerian athletes won three athletics titles at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, including a double in the 100 m. Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former vice-president, congratulated them on X.
Former Nigerian vice-president Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the three gold medals won by Nigeria in athletics at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, which he describes as historic. In a post on his X account on Tuesday, he congratulated Rosemary Nwankwo, Gift Bright and Praise Ugoh, winners of the women’s 100 m, men’s 100 m and women’s 400 m respectively.
According to Mr Abubakar, Nwankwo and Bright won both 100 m titles on the same day, a first for Nigeria at the Youth Olympic Games. He also points out that Ugoh claimed the women’s 400 m in her first final over the distance at the competition, becoming the first Nigerian to win the gold in this event at the Games.
“These young Nigerians have shown the world what discipline, courage and self-belief can achieve,” said Atiku Abubakar. He pledged to continue advocating support for young Nigerians, particularly in terms of infrastructure and opportunities for talent. He also congratulated the athletes’ coaches and families.
This reaction follows Nigeria’s track victories in Dakar, including the 100 m gold or the 400 m title won by Praise Ugoh, announced as early as 9 November.
