RismadarVoice Reporters
November 10, 2026
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has congratulated Nigerian athletes following their historic performance at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, where Team Nigeria secured three gold medals in athletics.
Atiku, in a statement shared on his X account on Tuesday, praised Rosemary Nwankwo, Gift Bright and Praise Ugoh for winning gold medals in the women’s 100 metres, men’s 100 metres and women’s 400 metres events, respectively.
He described their achievements as a demonstration of the talent, determination and potential of young Nigerians competing internationally.
Nwankwo and Bright made history on Sunday, November 8, by winning the women’s and men’s 100 metres titles on the same day.
Bright, 15, won the men’s final in a Games record time of 10.28 seconds, becoming the first Nigerian to claim the men’s 100 metres title at the Youth Olympics.
Nwankwo completed the sprint double by winning the women’s final in a wind-assisted time of 11.16 seconds.
Their victories marked the first time Nigeria had won both 100 metres titles at the same edition of the Youth Olympic Games.
Nigeria’s medal tally increased to three on Monday when Praise Ugoh won the women’s 400 metres final in a personal-best time of 52.76 seconds.
Ugoh became the first Nigerian athlete to win the women’s 400 metres gold medal at the Youth Olympics, adding another historic achievement to the country’s campaign.
Reacting to the performances, Atiku commended the athletes for their discipline, courage and commitment to excellence.
He said their victories demonstrated the importance of investing in young people and providing opportunities for talented Nigerians to develop their abilities.
The former vice-president also congratulated the athletes’ coaches and families for their contributions to the successes recorded in Dakar.
Atiku pledged to continue advocating improved sporting facilities, training opportunities and institutional support for young Nigerians.
He maintained that adequate investment in youth development would enable more athletes to compete successfully on the international stage.
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, which began on October 31 and will conclude on November 13, are the first edition of the competition to be hosted on African soil.
Nigeria’s three gold medals represent its most successful Youth Olympic campaign in terms of gold medals won, highlighting the country’s growing potential in youth athletics.
