By Rosemary Ugiomoh
The 2026 Winter Olympics, to be co-hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy, promises to be an exhilarating event, with Nigeria’s Bobsled and Skeleton Federation poised to make a significant impact. Led by President Dr. Solomon Ogba, the team has undergone rigorous training and trials in Lagos, Nigeria, and is now fine-tuning their preparation in Cortina, Italy, where Dr. Ogba is currently overseeing the final preparations.
Nigeria’s participation in the Winter Games has a notable history, thanks to trailblazers like Simi Adeagbo, 
who became the first African woman to compete in global bobsled and skeleton games. Additionally, Nigeria’s bobsled team made history in 2018 by becoming the first African team to qualify for the Winter Olympics, with Seun Adigun, Ngozi Onwumere, and Akuoma Omeoga paving the way for future generations.
This year’s games promises to be a momentous occasion for Nigeria, with Dr. Ogba at the helm, ready to make his mark on the international stage.The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place from February 6 to 22, 2026, featuring a wide range of events across Lombardy and Northeast Italy. Some key highlights of the games include:
Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, blending urban energy with alpine tradition as the host cities.
Over 90% of existing venues will be reused, emphasizing eco-friendliness. About 116 events in 8 sports, including alpine skiing, bobsleigh, skeleton, and curling.
A 63-day relay covering 12,000 km, passing through all 110 provinces of Italy, starting on November 26, 2025
The dual-city hosting model adopted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo is a unique approach that leverages the strengths of both cities. Milan will host ice events, ceremonies, and media operations, while Cortina will focus on snow-based competitions, showcasing its alpine legacy and technical expertise.
As Team Nigeria prepares to take on the best athletes from around the world, the 2026 Winter Olympics promises to be an unforgettable experience, combining sports, culture, and sustainability in the heart of Italy.
With Dr. Ogba and the Nigerian team gearing up for the games, the nation is poised to make a lasting impression on the international winter sports stage.
