Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has challenged Nigeria’s young athletes heading to the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, to seize the opportunity as a stepping stone towards representing the country at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, Sports247.ng reports.
Speaking during the official send-off ceremony for Nigeria’s contingent, Olopade delivered an inspiring message to the athletes, urging them to embrace discipline, self-belief and determination as they prepare to compete against some of the world’s finest emerging talents.
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The sports administrator emphasised that the Youth Olympics should not be viewed merely as another international competition but as an important platform capable of shaping their future sporting careers.
“This is a platform that builds you. Some of you, if you take it seriously, towards LA 2028,” Olopade declared.
He expressed his personal ambition to see members of the Nigerian contingent progress from competing at youth level to representing the country at the senior Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“I want to see you in LA. I want to see you jump in LA,” he told the athletes.
Olopade also drew inspiration from his personal sporting experience, recalling how his journey towards representing Nigeria began during his secondary school years.
“You see, I was in secondary school when I started representing Nigeria. Secondary school,” he recalled.
The NSC Director General stressed that young athletes must never allow their age, background or perceived limitations to discourage them from pursuing international success.
“If somebody says to you it cannot be done, tell that person it is a lie,” he declared.
His remarks come as Nigeria prepares to participate in the historic Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic sporting event to be staged on African soil.
Olopade maintained that the competition offers young Nigerians an opportunity to gain international exposure, develop confidence and build the competitive experience required for future success.
For the aspiring Olympians, his message was unmistakable: Dakar 2026 could be the beginning of a journey towards LA 2028 and beyond.
