…Olopade warns indiscipline will not be tolerated
Nigeria has set an ambitious target of winning at least 20 gold medals at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with top sports administrators expressing confidence that Team Nigeria is well prepared to deliver one of the country’s strongest performances at the Games.
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, said the athletes have received unprecedented preparation, giving the country every reason to expect a successful campaign.
Speaking during the official unveiling of Team Nigeria, Shaibu said the comprehensive preparations marked a significant improvement on previous outings.
“We thank God for the timely preparation, which is different from what we used to have. Everything needed for the athletes’ preparation and travel has been provided. It is now left for them to repay Nigerians by making the country proud through winning medals,” he said.
He urged the athletes to compete with the “Nigeria Spirit”, describing them as determined and resilient competitors capable of excelling on the international stage.
“From what I have seen, I am confident they can return with 20 gold medals,” Shaibu added.
The former Edo State Deputy Governor also highlighted the institute’s renewed commitment to grassroots sports development, saying the NIS has intensified efforts to identify and nurture young talents across the country.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at expanding Nigeria’s talent pool and ensuring consistent qualification for major international competitions.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, also expressed confidence in Team Nigeria’s prospects, stressing that the preparations for the Games were the product of long-term planning rather than last-minute arrangements.
“This is a clear demonstration of timely preparation. We have been planning well ahead of the Games, from talent identification to where we are today,” Dikko said.
He revealed that the Commission expects Nigeria to win between 16 and 20 gold medals, adding that the team will arrive in Glasgow 20 days before the opening ceremony to acclimatise and optimise performance.
“We will continue to motivate the athletes without delay. Taking the team early will give them enough time to adapt to the environment and perform at their best,” he said.
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, said the medal projections were founded on meticulous planning and deliberate execution.
“We believe in setting projections. Once those projections are made, we work relentlessly to achieve them, and that is exactly what we have done,” Olopade said.
He noted that sustained investment in athlete preparation over the past 18 months has strengthened Nigeria’s prospects, adding that previous international competitions had shown that thorough preparation could overturn expectations.
“For the past one and a half years, it has been sleepless nights for me, members of the Commission and my team. But to whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.
Olopade, however, warned that indiscipline would not be tolerated within Team Nigeria, insisting that athletes must adhere strictly to the Commission’s code of conduct.
“No matter how big an athlete is, once he or she misbehaves, that person will be expelled. If you spread negative narratives on social media, you will also be expelled,” he warned.
He encouraged athletes to resolve grievances internally rather than airing them publicly, likening the Commission to a family that is willing to listen, apologise where necessary and address legitimate concerns.
“Everyone must abide by the rules of the National Sports Commission or stay at home. Whoever is out of the team is out,” Olopade declared.
With comprehensive preparations completed and ambitious medal targets set, Nigerian sports officials believe Team Nigeria is well positioned to mount a strong challenge for honours at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
