The Federal Government has charged Team Nigeria to surpass its performance at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, as the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malnlam Shehu Dikko; and Director-General, Bukola Olopade, arrived in Glasgow to oversee the country’s campaign at the 2026 Games.
The duo travelled to Scotland on a presidential mandate to support Team Nigeria’s pursuit of podium success, following a directive delivered on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
The President’s charge was conveyed by his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, during a send-off ceremony in Abuja, where he urged the athletes to embody the Nigerian spirit and assured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to their success and post-Games rewards.
“Go out there, win medals, and wait for a grateful nation to reward you. The President is solidly behind you. He wants you to make Nigeria proud by winning laurels,” Gbajabiamila said.
The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Chief Sunday Dare, also reinforced the message, urging the country’s athletes to strive for excellence and surpass Nigeria’s performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
‘The President is solidly behind Team Nigeria. The assignment is clear: go to Glasgow, win medals, and make Nigeria proud’, Dare said.
In Glasgow, the NSC leadership has adopted a two-pronged approach to maximise Nigeria’s impact at the Games.
While Dikko is leading high-level engagements with the Commonwealth Games Federation and participating in ministerial roundtables aimed at advancing Nigeria’s sports diplomacy and policy interests, Olopade, as Chef de Mission, is overseeing the team’s day-to-day operations, including logistics, medical support and athlete welfare.
Team Nigeria is represented by 72 athletes competing across 10 sporting disciplines, including athletics, three-a-side basketball, three-a-side wheelchair basketball, judo, boxing, track cycling, weightlifting, swimming, para powerlifting and para athletics.
With the contingent settled in the Games Village and competitions underway, morale in the camp is reportedly high, supported by preparations, improved welfare incentives and the backing of the Federal Government.
The NSC expressed confidence that the Nigerian contingent is well prepared to deliver an outstanding performance and potentially record a new milestone at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
