Nigeria’s Oshonaike Joins IOC Athletes’ Commission
Nigeria’s Olufunke Oshonaike has broken new ground after being appointed into the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission, becoming the first Nigerian to secure a spot on the influential body.
The seven-time Olympian earned the appointment through a nomination by IOC President Kirsty Coventry as part of efforts to complete the Commission’s structure ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Oshonaike joins four other newly selected athletes from different parts of the world.
In a statement issued on Thursday, December 4, the IOC announced the latest additions as Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha of Iran (badminton), Husein Alireza of Saudi Arabia (rowing), Cheick Sallah Cissé of Côte d’Ivoire (taekwondo), Olufunke Oshonaike of Nigeria (table tennis), and Mariana Pajón of Colombia (cycling). The selection process was carried out in consultation with the Commission’s chair, Emma Terho.
“The Athletes’ Commission is essential in making sure athletes remain at the heart of everything we do. I am deeply grateful to our new members for their commitment and the wealth of experience they bring in service to athletes worldwide.”
Oshonaike’s appointment crowns a remarkable career that saw her compete at seven straight Olympic Games, from Atlanta 1996 through Tokyo 2020. Beyond her international achievements, she currently serves on the Athletes’ Commissions of both the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation.
Another African appointee, Cheick Sallah Cissé, is a Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallist in taekwondo and presently co-chairs the World Taekwondo Athletes’ Commission.
With the new members added, the IOC Athletes’ Commission now has 23 members drawn from across all continents, including one representative from the Refugee Olympic Team. The Commission consists of 13 women and 10 men, covering 15 summer sports and five winter sports.
Welcoming the new appointees, Chair Emma Terho said their presence would strengthen the Commission’s work.
“Their diverse backgrounds, achievements, and experience will enrich our discussions and help us continue to advocate for athletes worldwide.”
Reacting to her historic appointment, Oshonaike expressed gratitude and pride.
“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. 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.”
The IOC Athletes’ Commission serves as a vital platform within the Olympic Movement, ensuring athletes are directly involved in key decisions. It is made up of up to 23 members, with 12 elected by athletes during the Olympic Games and up to 11 appointed by the IOC President to maintain balanced representation across gender, regions, and sporting disciplines.
