They were the only African nation who featured at the World Junior-B Curling Championships in the men's and women's competitions in Lohja.

Two curling events are set to be held at Gangwon 2024, with 16 countries competing in the mixed team and 24 in the mixed doubles competitions.

Both the men's and women's teams finished bottom of their groups at the Championships in what was their first appearance on ice.

They were in a celebratory mood nevertheless, and Nigeria Curling Federation President Daniel Damola praised them for their efforts and for "making history".

"The beautiful thing about the whole success is that we actualised the dream using the locals, the home-based athletes and children from the grassroots," Damola said, as reported by Nigerian newspaper the Premium Times.

"This is a life-changing thing for all of them and basically for the country as well.

"For us to pull out this historic achievement using only home-based youth athletes, the first of its kind in the entire African region, I’m glad and happy.

"I’m happy with the staff and management, from the cleaner to the Presidency.

"It is a team success and I thank God for everything."

Damola also claimed that Nigeria's curlers qualified for the Games without support from the Government, Nigeria Olympic Committee or sponsors, and declared "you can only imagine what we would have achieved" with greater backing.

Africa was not represented in curling at the first three editions of the Winter Youth Olympics.

Curling events at Gangwon 2024 are due to be held at the Gangneung Curling Centre, which hosted events at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

Gangwon 2024 is scheduled for January 19 to February 2.