President Bola Tinubu has formally encouraged Team Nigeria to uphold high moral standards and aim to eclipse the nation’s previous record at the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, at a send-off event in Abuja, the President emphasized that while athletic success is vital, it must be achieved through fair play and strict adherence to anti-doping regulations.
Reflecting on the 35-medal achievement from the 2022 Birmingham Games, Tinubu urged the 74 participating athletes to rely on their hard work and discipline rather than shortcuts. He reminded the delegation that they serve as national ambassadors, carrying the pride and expectations of over 200 million citizens. The administration has focused on restructuring funding and strengthening anti-doping systems to ensure athletes remain focused on competition without administrative distractions.
National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko confirmed that the team completed a rigorous training camp and is prepared for the event, which runs from July 23 to August 2. Team captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo expressed gratitude for the government’s backing and promised that the athletes would compete with honor to represent the Nigerian spirit effectively on the international stage.
