Federal Government Urges Team Nigeria to Exceed Birmingham 2022 Performance at 2026 Commonwealth Games
The Federal Government has challenged Team Nigeria to surpass its medal haul from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games as the country prepares for the 2026 edition in Glasgow.
National Sports Commission (NSC) chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and director general Bukola Olopade travelled to Glasgow on a presidential assignment to monitor the nation’s preparations and ensure a successful outing.
The directive was issued during a send‑off ceremony in Abuja, where Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s message to the athletes. He urged them to compete with determination, assuring them of federal support and rewards for outstanding performances.
“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.
President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, reinforced the government’s expectation, stating the target is clearly to exceed Nigeria’s achievements at Birmingham 2022.
“The President is solidly behind Team Nigeria. The assignment is clear: go to Glasgow, win medals, and make Nigeria proud,” Dare added.
In Glasgow, Dikko is leading Nigeria’s participation in high‑level Commonwealth Games Federation meetings and ministerial roundtables, part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s sports diplomacy and policy interests.
Olopade, serving as Nigeria’s Chef de Mission, oversees the team’s daily operations, including logistics, medical services, and athlete welfare throughout the competition.
Team Nigeria will field a 72‑member contingent competing in ten sports: athletics, 3×3 basketball, 3×3 wheelchair basketball, judo, boxing, track cycling, weightlifting, swimming, para powerlifting, and para athletics.
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