Nigeria’s Samuel Ikpefan will be one of just 15 athletes representing Africa at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, as the cross-country skier prepares for his second appearance at the Games.
Ikpefan, the first Nigerian to compete at the Winter Olympics, will take part in the 10km freestyle and the sprint classic events, hoping to improve on a difficult debut at Beijing 2022.
Athletes from Benin, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria and Eritrea will each be represented by one competitor at the Games, while Madagascar, Morocco and Kenya will field two athletes apiece. South Africa will have Africa’s largest delegation, with five competitors.
Speaking to Flashscore ahead of the Games, Ikpefan said representing both Nigeria and the African continent carried responsibility, but also opportunity.
“I do feel a certain responsibility, but I see it as something positive,” he said.
“Representation matters. If my journey can inspire young athletes of African heritage to believe that winter sports are accessible to them, then it’s already a success.”
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He added that increased visibility and access to established winter sports structures were key to growing African participation.
Ikpefan was born in Haute-Savoie, France, to a French mother and a Nigerian father from Edo State. He grew up in the Alps, where winter sports were a natural part of daily life.
“I discovered cross-country skiing at a young age as a passion for being outdoors,” he said. “Over time, that passion evolved into competitive skiing.”
He explained that representing Nigeria was a personal decision he actively pursued.
“Given my Nigerian heritage, representing Nigeria felt meaningful and authentic,” Ikpefan said.
“I wanted to compete at the highest level while representing a country still developing in winter sports.”
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Ikpefan’s first Olympic appearance in Beijing was heavily affected after he contracted COVID-19 shortly before competition.
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He finished 73rd in sprint qualifying and did not complete the 15km classical race.
“Beijing 2022 was a very difficult experience,” he said. “Preparation and even the Olympic experience itself were heavily impacted.
“That experience has become a strong source of motivation for Milano-Cortina. I want to perform closer to my true level.”
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Now 34, Ikpefan says his main objective is to deliver consistent performances and represent Nigeria with pride, rather than focus solely on rankings.
After the Games, he plans to reassess his future, with coaching and athlete development among his long-term interests.
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“I enjoy helping younger athletes grow, both technically and mentally, I would like to stay involved in sport and contribute to its growth in emerging nations” he said.
