Nigeria’s Winter Sports Trailblazer Earns New Respect After Second Olympic Run

Africa’s sliding star Simidele Adeagbo has lauded Samuel Ikpefan for setting a fresh record as the first Nigerian athlete to compete at two Winter Olympic Games, calling his resilience and consistency a powerful example for others.

Ikpefan represented Nigeria alone at the Milano‑Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and carried the national flag, adding to his first appearance at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and cementing his place in the country’s sporting history.

Adeagbo, who broke ground herself in winter sports for Nigeria, praised Ikpefan’s commitment to returning to the world’s premier sporting stage, noting that earning a place at back‑to‑back Games is a commitment few athletes achieve.

At the 2026 Games, Ikpefan took part in two cross‑country skiing events, finishing in the middle of the field in both. While he didn’t reach the later rounds, his effort reinforced Nigeria’s growing presence in winter sport competitions.

Adeagbo encouraged the skier to keep pushing the boundaries of his sport, suggesting his journey could inspire a new generation of winter athletes from Nigeria — a country better known for its success at the Summer Olympics but increasingly making waves on snow and ice.