Meet four students representing Nigeria at World Spelling Bee debut in China

Nigeria is set to make history as four of its brightest young spellers compete for the first time at the 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai, China. The prestigious international competition, scheduled from July 10 to 20, will feature Team Nigeria facing off against some of the world's top young spellers.

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For the first time ever, Nigeria will be represented at the Spelling Bee World Cup, as four outstanding young spellers prepare to compete in Shanghai, China, from 10th–20th July 2026.

The quartet earned their spot on the global stage after demonstrating exceptional performance in both the Nigeria Spelling Bee and the subsequent African Spelling Bee Championship held in Harare, Zimbabwe. The Nigeria Spelling Bee organization announced the milestone on July 4, highlighting the students' journey of excellence and determination.

The four representatives are Oluwadamilola Adeolu from St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti; Abdurrahman Yusuf from Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin; Chinedu Okediachi from Madonna International Schools, Asaba; and Maryam Yusuf, also from Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin. Their participation is seen as a significant achievement, not only for the students but for the nation.

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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.

"For the first time ever, Nigeria will be represented at the Spelling Bee World Cup, as four outstanding young spellers prepare to compete in Shanghai, China," stated the Nigeria Spelling Bee. The organization emphasized that the students carry the hopes of Nigeria and the pride of an entire continent into the competition. Oluwadamilola Adeolu, 14, expressed her excitement and pride in representing Nigeria, eager to compete with global peers and enhance her skills and confidence.

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I am proud to be part of the Nigerian Spelling Bee and African Spelling Bee delegation travelling to the Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai, China, to represent Nigeria.