The Federal Government has challenged Team Nigeria to outperform its achievement at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games as the country begins its campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director-General, Bukola Olopade, have arrived in Glasgow on what the Presidency described as a direct mission to oversee Nigeria’s participation and support the team’s quest for medals.
During a send-off ceremony in Abuja, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s message to the athletes, urging them to compete with determination and assuring them of the Federal Government’s support and post-Games rewards.
Gbajabiamila encouraged the athletes to win medals and make the country proud, stressing that the President is fully behind the team.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, said the goal in Glasgow is to surpass Nigeria’s performance at the Birmingham 2022 Games. He urged the National Sports Commission leadership to remain focused and ensure the athletes have everything they need to succeed.
In Glasgow, Shehu Dikko is leading Nigeria’s participation in meetings of the Commonwealth Games Federation and other high-level engagements aimed at advancing the country’s sports diplomacy, while Bukola Olopade, serving as Chef de Mission, is overseeing the team’s daily operations, including logistics, medical services and athlete welfare.
Team Nigeria is represented by 72 athletes competing in 10 sports: athletics, 3×3 basketball, 3×3 wheelchair basketball, judo, boxing, track cycling, weightlifting, swimming, para powerlifting and para athletics.
With the athletes now settled in the Games Village and competition underway, the National Sports Commission said morale within the camp is high, expressing confidence that the team is well-prepared to deliver a strong and potentially record-breaking performance at the Glasgow Games.
