Nigeria’s Table Tennis Legend, Oshonaike Appointed to IOC Athletes’ Commission
Nigeria’s table tennis legend Olufunke Oshonaike has been appointed as one of five new members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Commission.
The announcement was made by IOC President Kirsty Coventry on December 4, 2025, in consultation with Commission Chair Emma Terho.
Oshonaike, who made history as the first African woman to compete in seven consecutive Olympic Games from Atlanta 1996 to Tokyo 2020, joins the Commission alongside Soraya Aghaei Haji Agha of Iran (badminton), Husein Alireza of Saudi Arabia (rowing), Cheick Sallah Cissé of Côte d’Ivoire (taekwondo), and Mariana Pajón of Colombia (cycling).
Their appointments bring the Commission to its full composition of 23 members ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
The IOC Athletes’ Commission plays a central role in ensuring that athletes’ voices are represented in Olympic decision‑making.
Oshonaike’s appointment is seen as recognition of her long and distinguished career, during which she became a symbol of resilience and excellence in African sport.
She is also a member of the Nigeria National Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission and the Nigeria Table Tennis Athletes’ Commission, giving her deep experience in athlete advocacy.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry praised the new members, saying the Commission is ‘essential in making sure that athletes remain at the heart of everything we do, and that their voices guide our decisions.’
Chair Emma Terho added that Oshonaike and her fellow appointees ‘bring diverse backgrounds, achievements and experience that will enrich our discussions and help us continue to advocate for athletes worldwide.’
For Nigeria, Oshonaike’s appointment is a landmark moment, placing one of its most accomplished athletes at the heart of Olympic governance.
