Four Nigerian Students Set for Historic World Spelling Bee Debut in China
Pecohub 2026 African Spelling Bee Junior champion, Oluwadamilola Adeolu, and three other outstanding Nigerian students are set to make history as they represent the country for the first time at the 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai, China.
The competition, scheduled to hold from July 10 to 20, will see Team Nigeria compete against some of the world’s best young spellers after progressing through the Nigerian and African Spelling Bee championships.
Oluwadamilola Adeolu of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti…Photo Credit: Nigeria Spelling Bee
Announcing the milestone in a July 4 statement, the Nigeria Spelling Bee described the country’s participation as a historic moment.
The organisation named the four representatives as Oluwadamilola Adeolu of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti; Abdurrahman Yusuf of Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin; Chinedu Okediachi of Madonna International Schools, Asaba; and Maryam Yusuf of Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin.
“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.
“Their journey has been one of excellence and determination—beginning with the Nigeria Spelling Bee, progressing to the African Spelling Bee Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe, and now advancing to the world stage,” it stated.
According to the organisers, the quartet carries not only Nigeria’s hopes but also Africa’s pride into the global competition.
“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.
“Join us in wishing Team Nigeria a successful outing as they make history at the Spelling Bee World Cup 2026. Go Team Nigeria!,” the statement partly read.
One of the team members, Oluwadamilola Adeolu, expressed excitement about competing on the global stage in a video released ahead of the tournament.
“Hi everyone, my name is Oluwadamilola Oriofe from St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
“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,” she said.
The 14-year-old said she was eager to compete with top young spellers from around the world while improving her skills and confidence.
