As the first Nigerian cross-country skier to compete at the Winter Olympic Games, Samuel Ikpefan fondly recalls the closing ceremony of Beijing 2022. It was a moment that marked a historic milestone for Africa’s most populous nation.
Having missed the Opening Ceremony due to COVID-19, marching alongside athletes from around the world made the experience even more poignant.
“Riding the high-speed train with athletes from all nations and sharing that magical moment was unforgettable,” the 32-year-old native of Annemasse, France, told Olympics.com.
He was the only athlete from Nigeria competing in Beijing.
Despite pandemic-related setbacks disrupting his Olympic debut, Ikpefan is now fully focused on returning to the Games at Milano Cortina 2026.
He’s preparing both mentally and physically to meet the demands of cross-country skiing at the highest level.
“My goals for Milano 2026 are to compete in all individual cross-country skiing events and give my absolute best. I aim to push my limits, maximise my capabilities, and proudly represent Nigeria while learning from the world’s toughest competition,” he said.