Seven-time Olympian Olufunke Oshonaike has become the first Nigerian to join the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission, following her nomination by IOC President Kirsty Coventry. The appointment is part of the Commission’s effort to reach full composition ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
Oshonaike, one of Africa’s most decorated table tennis players, is among five new members appointed to the Commission, which now brings together athletes from diverse disciplines and continents. The IOC confirmed the appointments of Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha from Iran (badminton), Husein Alireza from Saudi Arabia (rowing), Cheick Sallah Cissé from Côte d’Ivoire (taekwondo), Mariana Pajón from Colombia (cycling), alongside Oshonaike. These selections were made in consultation with IOC Athletes’ Commission Chair Emma Terho.
IOC President Coventry praised the new appointees, emphasizing their role in keeping athletes at the center of the Olympic Movement. “I am deeply grateful to our new members for their commitment and the wealth of experience they bring in service to athletes worldwide,” she said.
Oshonaike’s Olympic journey spans seven consecutive Games, from Atlanta 1996 to Tokyo 2020. She currently serves on both the Nigeria National Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission and the Nigeria Table Tennis Athletes’ Commission. Cheick Sallah Cissé, her fellow African appointee, is a Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallist and co-chair of the World Taekwondo Athletes’ Commission.
With these additions, the IOC Athletes’ Commission now consists of 23 members representing all continents, including a member from the Refugee Olympic Team, with 13 women and 10 men spanning 15 summer and five winter sports. Chair Emma Terho welcomed the new members, highlighting the value their experience and diverse backgrounds bring to the Commission’s work in advocating for athletes.
Speaking on her historic appointment, Oshonaike expressed pride and excitement. “During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, I was inspired by the support from my country and athletes around the world. This appointment shows my efforts were recognized. It has been my dream to impact the sport that has given me so much,” she said.
The IOC Athletes’ Commission plays a central role in ensuring athletes’ voices are heard at the highest level, with members elected by athletes at the Games and appointed by the IOC President to maintain balanced representation across gender, regions, and sports.
