Following his participation at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, two-time Nigerian Olympian Samuel Ikpefan has renewed calls for stronger institutional and financial support to help African athletes compete sustainably in winter sports.
Ikpefan, Nigeria’s sole representative at the Games, said inadequate funding remains the biggest barrier for athletes from emerging winter-sport nations.
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“People see us at the Olympics and think everything is taken care of,” he said.
“The reality is that many of us are funding our dreams ourselves. I had to work multiple jobs just to train, travel, and compete.”
He stressed that talent is not the issue, but rather the absence of structured support systems. “Africa has the talent,” Ikpefan noted.
“What we don’t have is the backing—proper facilities, consistent funding, and long-term programs. Without those, it’s very difficult to compete with countries where winter sports are fully institutionalized.”
Ikpefan’s appearance in Milano Cortina marked a historic milestone, making him the first Nigerian to compete in two Winter Olympic Games, having also featured at Beijing 2022.
Reflecting on the significance, he said, “I’m proud to carry the Nigerian flag on snow again. If my journey proves anything, it’s that where you come from doesn’t have to limit how far you can go.”
At the 2026 Games, Ikpefan completed all his scheduled events, finishing 94th in the men’s 10km interval start free and 65th in the men’s sprint.
While acknowledging the results, he emphasized the importance of perspective. “These performances are steps in a longer process,” he said.
“With consistent investment, you will see African athletes closing the gap and competing at a much higher level.”
Looking ahead, Ikpefan outlined a long-term vision focused on grassroots development and accessibility.
“My goal is to make skiing visible and reachable for Nigerian kids, both at home and in the diaspora,” he explained. “I don’t want to be the last African athlete on Olympic snow. I want to be part of the beginning.”
His comments add to growing calls for inclusivity and equitable investment in global sport, particularly for athletes representing nations with limited winter sports infrastructure.
