Team Nigeria, led by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Bukola Olopade, have arrived in Glasgow, Scotland, to begin their campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games on a presidential assignment.
The NSC leadership is spearheading Nigeria’s participation at the Games following the directive conveyed on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, during the official send-off ceremony for Team Nigeria in Abuja.
According to Dr (Mrs) Kehinde Ajayi, Director Information & PR National Sports Commission Gbajabiamila charged the athletes to compete with courage and determination, assuring them of the Federal Government’s full backing.
“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,” he said.
The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, also reiterated the administration’s expectations for the team.
“The President is solidly behind Team Nigeria. The assignment is clear: go to Glasgow, win medals and make Nigeria proud,” Dare stated.
He further urged Olopade to remain focused on the task ahead, avoid distractions and ensure that Team Nigeria surpasses its performance at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
In Glasgow, Dikko is leading Nigeria’s engagements at Commonwealth Games Federation and ministerial meetings, representing the country’s interests at policy and administrative levels while providing strategic leadership for the delegation.
Olopade is serving as Nigeria’s Chef de Mission, overseeing the day-to-day management of the delegation, including the welfare and wellbeing of athletes and officials.
With Team Nigeria now fully settled at the Games Village and competition underway, the NSC expressed confidence that meticulous preparation, improved athlete welfare and presidential support would inspire the athletes to deliver another memorable performance.
Nigeria will compete with 72 athletes across 10 sports: athletics, 3×3 basketball, judo, boxing, track cycling, weightlifting, swimming, para powerlifting, 3×3 wheelchair basketball and para athletics.