Nigeria’s sporting calendar in 2026 is packed with major continental and global competitions, spanning football, athletics, basketball, multi-sport games, and developmental tournaments.
From Africa’s biggest football stages to the Olympic arena and youth-focused events, Nigerian athletes will be in action throughout the year.
Below is a month-by-month outline of Nigeria’s key sporting engagements in 2026.
January
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
Host: Morocco
Conclusion Date: January 18, 2026
Africa’s premier football tournament opened Nigeria’s 2026 sporting year. The Super Eagles competed alongside the continent’s elite nations as Morocco hosted the championship, which concluded on January 18.
February
Winter Olympic Games
Host: Milan & Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
Date: February 6–22, 2026
Nigeria will make another symbolic appearance at the Winter Olympics. A male cross-country skier has already qualified via the basic quota, continuing Nigeria’s growing presence in winter sports, following pioneers such as Seun Adigun and Simidele Adeagbo.
Africa Badminton Championships
Host: Gaborone, Botswana
Date: February 9–15, 2026
Nigeria heads into the continental championship with confidence, led by Anuoluwapo Opeyori, the four-time reigning African men’s singles champion, who will be targeting an unprecedented fifth consecutive title.
March – April
Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)
Host: Morocco
Date: March 17 – April 3, 2026
The Super Falcons return as defending champions and the most successful nation in WAFCON history. Beyond continental glory, the tournament also serves as a qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
May
World Athletics Relays
Host: Botswana
Date: May 2–3, 2026
Nigeria’s relay teams will be in action, aiming to reaffirm their strength in sprint and relay events on the global stage.
FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup
Host: Poland
Date: May 5–27, 2026
Nigeria’s Falconets will chase success at the youth level, aiming for a strong showing in what will be their record 12th appearance at the tournament.
African Athletics Championships
Host: Accra, Ghana
Date: May 12–17, 2026
Historically Africa’s most decorated nation in athletics, Nigeria will look to reclaim continental dominance at the 24th edition of the championships. Over 800 athletes from more than 40 countries are expected, making this a major test of Nigeria’s track and field resurgence.
July – August
Commonwealth Games
Host: Scotland
Date: July 23 – August 2,
2026
Nigeria will target medals across its traditional strongholds, including athletics, boxing, wrestling, and weightlifting, as it competes against other Commonwealth nations.
September
National Sports Festival (NSF)
Host: Enugu State, Nigeria
Date: September 2026
The 23rd edition of Nigeria’s flagship domestic multi-sport event will focus on talent discovery, grassroots development, and resetting high-performance pathways.
FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup
Host: Germany
Date: September 4–13, 2026
D’Tigress will represent Nigeria on the global stage, seeking to improve on past performances and progress beyond the group phase.
October – November
FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
Host: Morocco
Date: October – November 2026
Nigeria’s Flamingos will compete with ambitions of another deep run, building on the country’s strong pedigree in women’s youth football.
Summer Youth Olympic Games
Host: Dakar, Senegal
Date: October 31 – November 13, 2026
The Youth Olympics will provide a platform for Nigeria’s next generation of athletes to gain international exposure and showcase emerging talent across multiple sports.
Conclusion
From senior national teams to youth and developmental competitions, 2026 represents a defining year for Nigerian sports.
With events spread across the calendar and multiple disciplines, Nigeria’s athletes will have numerous opportunities to compete, grow, and make a statement on both continental and global stages.
