Nigerian sports just bagged another major win — and this time it’s thanks to one of the country’s most enduring legends, Funke Oshonaike.
The seven-time Olympian has officially become the first Nigerian ever appointed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission, cementing her status as one of Africa’s most influential voices in global sports.

This historic announcement came as IOC President Kirsty Coventry appointed five new members to reinforce the commission ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

Oshonaike now joins an elite group of global athletes including:

• Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha (Iran, Badminton)

• Husein Alireza (Saudi Arabia, Rowing)

• Cheick Sallah Cissé (Côte d’Ivoire, Taekwondo)

• Mariana Pajón (Colombia, Cycling)

“I’m Excited, And My Efforts Were Noticed” — Oshonaike Reacts

For Oshonaike, this moment is more than an appointment — it is a dream fulfilled.

In her words:

“I am so excited because during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games campaign, I was impressed by the huge support from my country and athletes across the world.”

She added:

“This appointment confirms that my efforts did not go unnoticed. It has been my dream to impact the sport that has given me the rare opportunity to live well in life.”

And truly, if anyone has earned that seat, it’s Oshonaike — a woman who represented Nigeria in seven consecutive Olympic Games, from Atlanta 1996 to Tokyo 2020. That’s not just consistency; that’s greatness on autopilot.

IOC President Applauds The New Class

IOC President Kirsty Coventry highlighted the importance of the Athletes’ Commission in shaping the Olympic Movement:

“The Athletes’ Commission is essential in making sure athletes remain at the heart of everything we do.”

With the latest appointments, the commission now includes 23 members, representing athletes from across continents and from both summer and winter sports. Impressively, it maintains its gender balance with 13 women and 10 men.

The body ensures that athletes’ voices — from grassroots to the global stage — influence top-level decisions in the Olympic ecosystem.

Why Funke Oshonaike’s Appointment Matters

This milestone hits differently for Nigeria and Africa at large:

• It elevates Nigeria’s influence in global sports governance.

• It positions African athletes more strongly in Olympic policymaking.

• It shows that dedication, longevity, and excellence always get rewarded.

For a legend who has been inspiring young African athletes for nearly three decades, this is the perfect continuation of her legacy.

Sports Market International — Your Home For Top Sports Stories

At Sports Market International, we celebrate iconic moments, global sporting achievements, and the athletes shaping the future.

Want your brand seen by thousands of passionate sports fans, bettors, analysts, and enthusiasts?

📩 Want To Advertise With Us? Contact: sales@ventolitemarketing.com

Your audience is waiting.

AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori has opened up on his decision to represent England on the international stage, explaining that the Nigerian Football Federation never officially contacted him.

Tomori, who initially represented Canada at youth level, later switched allegiance to England, earning five senior caps to date. While several English youth internationals with Nigerian heritage, including Ola Aina, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman, have opted for the Super Eagles, Tomori’s path led him to the Three Lions.

Tomori On His Decision

Speaking on the Filthy Fellas Podcast, Tomori outlined how England reached out after his stint with Canada’s youth team:

“I was playing for the Canada youth team, but about four months later, the England Academy manager reached out about the possibility of switching over. The next international break, England called me, and I knew I had to go. I thought if I said no, would I ever get a call-up again?”

He added that the transition felt natural because many of his Chelsea teammates, like Tammy Abraham, were already in the England setup.

“It didn’t feel different [from Canada] because all my friends were in there… it felt like Chelsea again,” Tomori said.

Nigeria’s Missed Opportunity

Tomori admitted that if Nigeria had made an approach, he might have considered playing for the Super Eagles.

“If it was Nigeria, I’d have gone,” he stated.

However, he clarified that no official call ever came, leaving him with no real choice.

“Would I have changed to Nigeria from England? I don’t know because at the time, I was playing for Chelsea, so I thought I would play for England. It’s not like I wouldn’t have played there, but they never called me, so I never had a choice to make.”

As Tomori continues to establish himself in Serie A with Milan, he now focuses on securing a spot in England’s 2026 World Cup squad, hoping to make his mark on football’s biggest stage.

Want To Advertise With Us?

Reach millions of football fans across Africa.
📩 Contact: sales@ventolitemarketing.com