Team qualifies through national and African championships, marking Nigeria’s debut at the global competition in China.
Four Nigerian students are set to make history as the country’s first-ever representatives at the 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai, China.
The team comprises Oluwadamilola Adeolu, Abdurrahman Yusuf, Chinedu Okediachi, and Maryam Yusuf, who secured Nigeria’s place at the global competition after progressing through the Nigeria Spelling Bee and the African Spelling Bee Championship.
The international contest, scheduled to hold from July 10 to 20 in Shanghai, will bring together some of the world’s best young spellers.
Historic Milestone for Nigeria
In a statement issued on July 4, the Nigeria Spelling Bee described the country’s participation as a landmark achievement for education and youth development.
The organisation identified the team members as Oluwadamilola Adeolu of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti; Abdurrahman Yusuf and Maryam Yusuf of Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin, and Chinedu Okediachi of Madonna International Schools, Asaba.
According to the organisers, the students’ journey began at the Nigeria Spelling Bee before advancing to the African Spelling Bee Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe, where they earned qualification for the World Cup.
“As they compete against the world’s finest young spellers, they carry with them the hopes of a nation and the pride of an entire continent,” the statement said.
Champion Eyes Global Success
Team captain and 2026 African Spelling Bee Junior Champion, Oluwadamilola Adeolu, expressed excitement ahead of the competition, describing the opportunity as a dream come true.
The 14-year-old said she looks forward to competing with young spellers from around the world, improving her vocabulary and confidence, and bringing the championship trophy home to Nigeria.
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She also thanked the Nigeria Spelling Bee organisers, the Ekiti State Government, her parents, teachers and coaches for supporting her journey to the global stage.
The organisers urged Nigerians to support Team Nigeria as the students aim to make history and showcase the country’s academic excellence on the world stage.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.