The Milano Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony has delivered a historic moment for Nigeria, as Maryam Bukar Hassan became the first Nigerian to serve as an Olympic flag bearer.
Hassan, widely known by her stage name Alhanislam, carried the iconic five-ringed Olympic flag during the ceremony at the San Siro Stadium in Milan. The Olympic flag is traditionally reserved for individuals who embody the movement’s highest ideals, including global impact, cultural bridge-building, and advocacy for peace.
Standing alongside global sporting icons such as marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge and Brazilian gymnastics star Rebeca Andrade, Maryam’s presence marked a significant milestone for Nigeria on the world stage.
Clad in a bespoke Giorgio Armani ensemble that reflected understated elegance, she stepped into the stadium not as an athlete but as a United Nations Global Advocate for Peace. Her selection underscored the International Olympic Committee’s recognition that influence extends beyond athletic achievement.
For many observers, her appearance reaffirmed that words can carry as much weight as medals.
Maryam later shared highlights of her experience on Instagram, offering followers a personal look at her journey in Italy. The video featured moments of quiet reflection at the Duomo di Milano, backstage preparations before the ceremony, and sweeping views of the Milanese skyline.
In one scene, she stood in silent contemplation amid the Gothic architecture of the cathedral. In another, she prepared behind the scenes, the emotion of the occasion visible on her face before stepping into the global spotlight.
As Alhanislam, she has built a reputation for using spoken word poetry to challenge stereotypes and advocate for girls’ education in Nigeria. Her work has earned both national and international recognition, positioning her as a cultural voice beyond borders.
Although the Winter Games have officially begun, conversations across Nigeria’s digital space continue to centre on her historic walk. Cultural commentators and critics have praised the decision to honour an advocate whose impact is measured not in podium finishes but in social change.
For Maryam Bukar Hassan, Milano Cortina 2026 may well represent more than a ceremonial role. It marks a defining chapter in her journey — one that began with poetry and has now secured her place in Olympic history.
