Olufunke Oshonaike, the veteran Nigerian table-tennis star, has been appointed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission. This appointment makes her the first Nigerian ever to earn that honour.
Oshonaike’s nomination, confirmed by IOC President Kirsty Coventry on December 4, 2025, comes as the Commission fills its final seats ahead of the 2026 Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
“The Athletes’ Commission is essential in making sure athletes remain at the heart of everything we do,” Coventry said.
“I am deeply grateful to our new members for their commitment and the wealth of experience they bring in service to athletes worldwide.”
At 50 years old, Oshonaike brings to the role decades of athletic experience. She competed in seven consecutive Olympic Games, from Atlanta 1996 to Tokyo 2020.
On her appointment, she said, “I am so excited because during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games campaign, I was impressed by the huge support from my country and athletes across the world. 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.”
The addition of Oshonaike, alongside four other new members from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Colombia, completes the 23-member makeup of the IOC Athletes’ Commission. The group now includes 13 women and 10 men, representing 15 summer sports and five winter disciplines.
Oshonaike now serves on the Athletes’ Commissions of both the Nigeria National Olympic Committee and the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation.
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