Posted by Samuel on Sat 07th Feb, 2026 - tori.ng
The Nigeria Olympic Committee confirmed Ikpefan as the nation's sole competitor in cross-country skiing events, building on his debut at Beijing 2022 where he also carried the flag.
Nigeria is being represented at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy (February 6–22) by a sole athlete, cross-country skier Samuel Ikpefan, marking the nation’s third appearance at the Winter Games.
The Nigeria Olympic Committee confirmed Ikpefan as the nation's sole competitor in cross-country skiing events, building on his debut at Beijing 2022 where he also carried the flag.
The skier, who trains rigorously despite Nigeria's tropical climate, is competing in individual distances and potentially relays, showcasing determination and representing African resilience on snow.
This modest delegation aligns with Nigeria's growing but limited presence in winter sports, following historic breakthroughs like Simidele Adeagbo's skeleton debut in 2018 and bobsleigh qualification for PyeongChang.
Africa overall has 15 athletes from eight nations at these Games, with Nigeria joining Eritrea, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, and others in disciplines like alpine skiing, cross-country, and freestyle.
No medals have been awarded to Nigeria yet, as the Games are just underway, and the focus remains on participation, inspiration, and paving the way for future winter talents. Ikpefan's journey has already drawn praise for defying odds and putting Nigeria on the global snow map.