Oshonaike Breaks New Ground As First Nigerian On IOC Athletes’ Commission

Veteran table tennis star Olufunke Oshonaike has achieved a landmark feat in her celebrated career, becoming the first Nigerian to be appointed to the prestigious International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission.

The historic appointment was confirmed in a statement released on Thursday, December 4, by IOC President Kirsty Coventry, who nominated Oshonaike alongside four other distinguished global athletes: Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha of Iran, Husein Alireza of Saudi Arabia, Cheick Sallah Cissé of Côte d’Ivoire, and Mariana Pajón of Colombia. The selection was made in consultation with the Commission’s Chair, Emma Terho, to ensure full representation ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.

President Coventry highlighted the significance of the Commission, stating, “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 an extraordinary sporting journey. As a seven-time Olympian—competing from Atlanta 1996 through to Tokyo 2020—she holds the African record for consecutive Olympic appearances. Currently serving on both the Nigeria National Olympic Committee and the Nigeria Table Tennis Athletes’ Commissions, she brings deep institutional and grassroots insight to her new role.

Her excitement and readiness were palpable in her response: “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,” Oshonaike remarked. “I am so excited… I pledge to represent Nigeria and Africa with pride.”

The Commission now comprises 23 members—including a representative from the Refugee Olympic Team—and boasts balanced global, gender, and sporting diversity, with 13 women, 10 men, and representation from 20 sports.