Olufunke Oshonaike has been appointed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission. She is the first Nigerian to join the Commission. Her appointment was made by IOC President Kirsty Coventry as part of preparations for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
Oshonaike is one of Africa’s most successful table tennis players. She represented Nigeria at seven Olympic Games, from Atlanta 1996 to Tokyo 2020. She also won several medals at the African Games.
Four other athletes were appointed alongside her. They are Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha from Iran (badminton), Husein Alireza from Saudi Arabia (rowing), Cheick Sallah Cissé from Ivory Coast (taekwondo), and Mariana Pajón from Colombia (cycling). The appointments were made with input from the Commission’s chair, Emma Terho.
The IOC Athletes’ Commission now has 23 members. It includes athletes from all continents and one member from the Refugee Olympic Team. There are 13 women and 10 men, covering 15 summer sports and five winter sports.
Oshonaike also serves on the Athletes’ Commission of the Nigeria National Olympic Committee and the Nigeria Table Tennis Athletes’ Commission. Her new role strengthens Nigeria’s and Africa’s voice in global sports decisions.
The IOC Athletes’ Commission represents athletes at the highest level. Some members are elected during the Olympic Games, while others are appointed to ensure fair and balanced representation.
Oshonaike’s appointment is a proud moment for Nigeria and the entire African sports community.
