Nigeria records best Youth Olympics haul in Dakar
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Punch
Nigeria won three athletics gold medals at the Youth Olympics in Dakar, its best haul in the competition’s history. Bright Gift, Rosemary Nwankwo and Praise Ugoh won the men’s 100 metres, women’s 100 metres and women’s 400 metres titles, reports Punch.
Nigeria recorded its best haul at the Youth Olympics with three gold medals at Dakar 2026, surpassing its previous record of two titles won in Singapore in 2010, reports Punch. The three titles were won in athletics by Bright Gift, Rosemary Nwankwo and Praise Ugoh.
Bright Gift won the men’s 100 metres in 10.28 seconds, a new Youth Olympics record and Nigeria’s first title in the event. Rosemary Nwankwo won the women’s 100 metres in 11.16 seconds, making Nigeria the first country to win both 100-metre titles at the same edition, according to Punch. Praise Ugoh completed the haul with the women’s 400 metres in 52.76 seconds, her personal best and Nigeria’s first title in the event.
Nigeria’s National Sports Commission attributed the results to grassroots development, talent identification and national competitions. It cited its Invited Junior Athletes Initiative, the National Sports Festival and the hosting in Abeokuta of the African U18 and U20 Athletics Championships. The commission also praised the Nigerian Olympic Committee, chaired by Habu Gumel, for coordinating the country’s participation.
The results extend Nigeria’s three athletics gold medals, announced on 10 November. They follow the victories of two Nigerians in the 100 metres in Dakar, published on 8 November.
