Get Guardian on Google• Beach Volleyball cherishes Youth Olympics’ experience
Team Nigeria’s Obatoyinbo Kashope Eyitayo, yesterday, narrowly missed a medal from the swimming event at the ongoing Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, as he placed sixth in the Men’s 50M freestyle.
Team Nigeria officials at the venue had expected a medal from the young swimmer when he made it to the final after winning the swim-off against his Bahrain counterpart 23.55seconds as against 23.56 seconds.
But he finished sixth in the final event decided at 3.00 p.m. yesterday.
His sixth position notwithstanding, Team Nigeria’s officials praised the swimmer for his resilience and determination. He was the first Nigerian athlete to reach the final at Dakar 2026 YOG.
Meanwhile, the country’s Beach Volleyball team has thanked the National Sports Commission (NSC) for the support it got at the Games.
Boasting a pedigree that includes being crowned African champions twice, finishing third twice, and securing qualification for the LA 28 Olympic Games, Team Nigeria’s Beach Volleyball coach, Kayode Ajilore, was confident his players would make the podium at the ongoing Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
However, their medal dream ended in the quarterfinals.
As the team prepares to return to Nigeria, Ajilore reflected on the experience. He concluded that the tournament was highly competitive and provided positive exposure, opening his players’ eyes to what they need to work on as they prepare for the LA 28 Games.
Ajilore also thanked the NSC for its strong support during the team’s pre-Games preparations and throughout the tournament.
Ajilore, a former Nigerian international who transitioned into coaching in 2016, said: “The experience here at the Youth Olympics has been great. Coming here as two-time African gold medalists and two-time bronze medalists, and having qualified for the LA 28 Games, we were confident we would win a medal. Because of that, we put a lot into our preparation and worked incredibly hard.
“When we failed to reach the semifinals, the players and I felt dejected, but many people congratulated us, noting that we performed exceptionally well. We are going back home with invaluable experience that will shape our preparation for the LA 28 Games.
“I must thank the NSC for their unflinching support, especially the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, who supported us in numerous areas before the Games and has promised us further local and international backing leading up to the Olympics.
“My players and I are delighted to have had this great opportunity, which has given us memories and experiences we will never forget. The next step now is to get some rest, recover, and begin preparations for the Olympics, as well as other championships and games that the NSC and our federation have lined up for us between now and the Olympic Games in LA.”
