President Bola Tinubu on Thursday officially bid farewell to Team Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the country’s athletes.
At the send-off ceremony held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu urged the athletes and officials to compete with courage, discipline and determination as they represent Nigeria on the international stage.
Team Nigeria is scheduled to depart on Friday for Aberdeen, Scotland, where the athletes will undergo a three-week training camp before moving to Glasgow for the Games, which will hold from July 23 to August 2.
Nigeria will compete in 10 sports with a 74-member athlete contingent. The team is aiming to improve on its performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where Nigeria finished as Africa’s highest-ranked nation with 35 medals comprising 12 gold, nine silver and 14 bronze.
Officials target strong medal haul
Ahead of the team’s departure, officials of the National Institute for Sports (NIS) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) expressed confidence that Nigeria could return with at least 20 gold medals.
Director-General of the NIS, Comrade Philip Shaibu, attributed the optimism to improved preparation.
“We thank God for the timely preparation, which is different from what we used to have.
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“Just as we have charged the athletes, they should go there and win. Everything needed for their preparation and travel has been provided. It is now left for them to appreciate Nigerians and Nigeria by making us proud by winning medals. With what I have seen in them, I am confident they can return with 20 gold medals.”
NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, also said the team’s preparations reflected long-term planning rather than last-minute arrangements.
“This is a clear demonstration of timely preparation. We have been preparing well ahead of the Games, from talent scouting to where we are today.
“We are taking the team 20 days ahead of the competition to allow them to acclimatise to the environment and maximise their performance.”
Athletes warned on discipline
NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, stressed that discipline would remain a priority throughout the Games, warning that misconduct would attract immediate sanctions.
“This is where we draw the line. No matter how big an athlete is, once he or she misbehaves, such a person will be expelled.
“If you spread negative narratives on social media, you will be expelled.”
The athletes have been undergoing a closed camping programme in Abuja ahead of their departure, with government officials expressing confidence that the early preparations will help Team Nigeria deliver a strong performance in Glasgow.
