By Maryam Suleiman Yusuf
Nigeria will be represented in skiing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, with Samuel Ikpefan confirmed to compete when the Games take place from 6 to 22 February 2026 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) said Ikpefan qualified through International Ski Federation (FIS)–sanctioned competitions during the 2024–2025 season, meeting the minimum points requirement for Olympic participation.
Ikpefan, who is of Nigerian descent and based in Europe, has spent most of his competitive career outside Nigeria due to the absence of winter sports facilities at home. Officials said he races mainly in men’s sprint and 15-kilometre cross-country events, competing regularly on the European circuit.
According to the NOC, his best finishes during the qualification window placed him within the lower third of the field in several races, which was sufficient to secure a basic Olympic quota place under FIS rules.
“Cross-country skiing is not about one standout race,” said Tony Nezianya, Public Relations Officer of the NOC. “You have to show consistency across multiple competitions, complete the distances, and meet the required points threshold. Samuel did that.”
Beyond qualification, Ikpefan sees his Olympic appearance as an opportunity to broaden the visibility of winter sports among young Nigerians. He said the Winter Olympics represent the highest level of athletic achievement, describing the Games as “a global celebration of sport and humanity” that carries meaning beyond competition.
While expressing hope that his journey could encourage greater participation, Ikpefan acknowledged the structural challenges facing winter sports development in Nigeria, including limited access to facilities and training pathways. He said his long-term ambition is to help make skiing more accessible to Nigerian youth, both within the country and among those based abroad.
Ikpefan is currently one of 438 athletes worldwide receiving support through the Olympic Solidarity programme in the lead-up to the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. The programme provides financial assistance and training support to athletes and National Olympic Committees with limited resources, helping them remain competitive within the Olympic qualification system.
As he prepares for his second Olympic appearance, following his debut at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Ikpefan said the challenge in 2026 will extend beyond qualification. Competing in the Alpine environment is expected to present more complex conditions, including altitude, variable weather, and demanding race courses, factors that often intensify the physical and tactical demands of cross-country skiing at the Olympic level.
“Winning a medal is difficult, but not impossible,” Ikpefan said. “It requires a strong system and long-term support. Winter sports are not traditional in Africa, but with the right opportunities and determination, success is achievable.
