Athletes from around the world are in the Italian Alps for the opening of the 2026 Winter Olympics on Friday – including 13 sportspeople from eight African countries. Though the continent isn't associated with winter sports,

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina will feature 116 medal events over 16 sports. Norway leads Winter Olympic history with 405 all-time medals; USA is second with 330. NHL players will compete in hockey competition for first time since 2014.

Fourteen athletes from eight African nations are set to compete at the Winter Olympics, marking a significant increase from Beijing 2022.

Nigeria is once again making its mark on the global stage, participating for the fourth consecutive time in the Winter Olympic Games, specifically the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games.This remarkable streak began in 2018,

Africa’s most decorated sliding athlete in history, Simidele Adeagbo, opens up on defying odds to achieve milestones, her challenges and pioneering winter sports in Nigeria in this interview with OLAMIDE ABEWhen you crossed the finish line in your first Olympic appearance in PyeongChang 2018,

Nigeria's Samuel Ikpefan competed in the men's sprint classic at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, finishing 65th in his opening event.

Here's what to know about the Parade of Nations in the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony and how the country order is determined.