(Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Photo by Tribune Online)
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has congratulated Nigeria’s athletes after they won three gold medals in athletics at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Atiku posted it online on Tuesday.
He singled out Rosemary Nwankwo, Gift Bright and Praise Ugoh.
Nwankwo won the women’s 100 metres and Bright won the men’s 100 metres on the same day, which Atiku said was a first for Nigeria at the Youth Olympics.
Ugoh won the women’s 400 metres in her first final over that distance and became the first Nigerian to win that event’s gold at the Games.
Atiku said these young athletes show what hard work and self belief can achieve.
He said the country’s greatest wealth is its youth and promised to keep pushing for better facilities and opportunities for talented young people.
He also congratulated the athletes’ coaches and families.
I warmly congratulate our young athletes on a historic outing at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, where Team Nigeria has claimed three gold medals on the track.
Rosemary Nwankwo and Gift Bright made history by winning the women’s and men’s 100 metres titles on the same day: the first time Nigeria has achieved such a double at the Youth Olympic Games. Praise Ugoh then crowned the achievement with a remarkable victory in the women’s 400 metres, in her very first final over the distance, becoming the first Nigerian to win that title at the Games.
These young Nigerians have shown the world what discipline, courage and self-belief can achieve. Their success is a reminder that our nation’s greatest wealth lies in her youth, and that when we invest in their talent, they will raise our flag on every stage. I will continue to champion a Nigeria where every gifted young person has the support, facilities and opportunity to excel.
Congratulations to the athletes, their coaches and their families. Nigeria is proud of you. -AA— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) November 10, 2026