President Bola Tinubu Sends Off Team Nigeria to the 2026 Commonwealth Games
As Team Nigeria prepares for one of the world’s largest sporting events in Glasgow, President Tinubu has tasked them with winning medals at the 2026 Games. Representing Nigeria is a privilege but also comes with the burden of expectation and responsibility. This message resonated with Team Nigeria as they got ready for the Games.
“Medals are valuable, but integrity is priceless. As you wear the green and white, remember that you represent over 200 million Nigerians. Compete fairly, uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, avoid all forms of misconduct, including doping, and make the nation proud,” President Tinubu said through his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the Presidential Send-Off in Abuja on Thursday.
More Than a Medal Mission
The Commonwealth Games have long been a source of national celebration for Nigerians, with top celebrities enjoying an intense, almost cult-like following across the internet and among betting companies in Nigeria. From Odunayo Adekuoroye to Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Nigeria has consistently sent teams capable of winning gold and claimed medals across the history of the Games.
Glasgow will mark Team Nigeria’s return to Commonwealth Games competition following the success of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games last summer. For Nigeria, there’s more than just the podium at stake. Athletes will be expected to prove that sports excellence is possible through talent, hard work and clean competition.
Team Nigeria has been clear about its intentions: not only to compete, but to win. Building on the success of the 12 gold, 9 silver and 14 bronze medals won at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Nigeria will send a contingent of 72 athletes to Scotland for its best opportunity yet to surpass its all-time high medal total of 35.
Nigeria’s Commonwealth Games delegation will compete in 10 sports, with eyes set on climbing the medal table. From athletics to wrestling, weightlifting to para-powerlifting, boxing to netball, Nigeria has qualified stars across the program hoping to add their names to the country’s esteemed Commonwealth Games history.
Team captain Oluwafemi Ayo Folashade told journalists in Abuja that athletes are hungry to make Nigeria proud, promising to represent the country well and restore its honour.
Pass and Play: Doping-Free Sport a Priority for Team Nigeria
President Tinubu has mandated that Team Nigeria’s success comes through hard work and dedication. The President highlighted the reforms his administration has implemented to fortify Nigeria’s anti-doping program and ensure Nigerian athletes compete clean.
“Our administration has taken decisive steps to strengthen the anti-doping systems in the country. Last year, I assented to the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act, which provides a stronger legal and institutional framework for clean sports in Nigeria.
“We are determined as a country to build a sports system where our athletes can succeed without suspicion, where our victories are respected, and where Nigeria is known not only for talent, but also for discipline, integrity and excellence,” he said.
Nigerian Sport Integrity Forum (NSIF) Chair Habib Alfa was on hand to confirm that the recent passage of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act and the inauguration of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre’s board are just the first steps toward securing Nigeria’s anti-doping future.
It’s a sentiment that won’t be lost on athletes in Glasgow. Team Nigeria will compete in sports across the Games, but the competition to win clean will be on full display. The National Sports Commission has left no stone unturned in its mission to deliver a successful Commonwealth Games campaign.
Through months of targeted preparation and improved welfare support, Team Nigeria will fly to Glasgow well ahead of the opening ceremony to acclimatise to Scottish weather and make history. On the track, Williams and Favour Ofili will look to add to their medals from Birmingham last summer, while Luminosa Agbo and Chizoba Naomi Opara arrive as reigning African champions.
