Team Nigeria has won the Gold Award in the Middle School Group Category at the 2026 Spelling Bee World Cup held in Shanghai, China.
The achievement marks a historic milestone for the country, which made its first-ever appearance at the global competition. The Nigeria Spelling Bee announced the victory on its official Facebook page on Sunday.
Team Nigeria makes history
Confirming the achievement, the Nigeria Spelling Bee said Team Nigeria claimed the Gold Award after competing against some of the world’s brightest young spellers.
The organisation described the victory as another major step for Nigeria’s growing reputation in international spelling competitions. It also praised the students for their dedication and determination throughout the contest.
Ilorin students earn medals
Meanwhile, Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin, confirmed that two of its students, Maryam Yusuf and Abdurrahman Yusuf, won medals at the competition.
The school shared the news on its official Facebook page. It congratulated both students for their impressive performance at the World Cup finals in Shanghai.
Their success further highlighted Nigeria’s remarkable outing at the tournament. It also reinforced the country’s growing influence in international spelling contests.
Four students represented Nigeria
Team Nigeria featured four outstanding students selected through national and continental spelling competitions.
The team comprised Oluwadamilola Adeolu of St. Lawrence Metropolitan College, Ado-Ekiti, Abdurrahman Yusuf of Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin, and Chinedu Okediachi of Madonna International Schools, Asaba. Maryam Yusuf of Ar-Raheem International College, Ilorin, completed the team.
Adeolu qualified for the World Cup after emerging the 2026 African Spelling Bee Junior champion. Consequently, the team travelled to Shanghai as Nigeria’s first-ever representatives at the global event.
Journey to the world stage
Before the tournament, the Nigeria Spelling Bee described the team’s journey as one built on excellence, resilience and determination.
According to the organisers, the students first excelled at the Nigeria Spelling Bee. They later progressed to the African Spelling Bee Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe. Their outstanding performances there earned them qualification for the World Cup in Shanghai.
The organisers added that the students represented more than Nigeria. They said the team also carried the hopes and pride of the African continent onto the world stage.
Adeolu confident before competition
Ahead of the competition, Adeolu expressed excitement about representing Nigeria in China.
She said she looked forward to competing against talented young spellers from different countries. She also hoped to improve her vocabulary, build her confidence and return home with the trophy.
Earlier, Adeolu secured her place at the World Cup after winning the Junior category at the African Spelling Bee Championship in Harare. She outperformed contestants from more than 30 African countries.
At the same continental competition, Abdurrahman Yusuf finished third. Meanwhile, Team Nigeria placed second overall. As a result, the strong performance laid the foundation for the country’s gold-winning campaign at the Spelling Bee World Cup in Shanghai.
Read also: Nigeria Spelling Bee opens registration: Here’s how to apply
