Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a stirring call to Nigerian athletes ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, urging them to compete with courage, honour, and integrity while emphasizing that victory must be achieved through clean competition.
At a Presidential Send-off ceremony held at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, President Tinubu, represented by his Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, addressed the 72-member Nigerian contingent, describing them as “worthy ambassadors of the nation’s resilience, talent, and determination.”
“You have trained for this moment. You have sacrificed for this moment. Go to Glasgow with confidence, discipline, and unity,” the President declared. “Go with patriotism and with the mindset that Nigeria can stand with the very best in the world.”
The President’s message carried particular weight as he referenced the previous Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, cautioning against any repeat of past errors. “I know what happened last time in Birmingham, perhaps an error of judgment, and nothing like that will happen this time around. That experience must be a lesson for all of us,” he stated.
Integrity at the Forefront
President Tinubu made it clear that winning alone is not sufficient. “Winning is important, but winning clean is more important. Medals are valuable, but integrity is priceless,” he told the assembled athletes. “The glory of victory is only complete when it is achieved through discipline, fairness, hard work and respect for the rules.”
The President emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to anti-doping efforts, highlighting his administration’s legislative actions to strengthen the country’s sports integrity framework. “Last year, I assented to the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act, which provides a stronger legal and institutional framework for clean sports in Nigeria,” he noted.
He also confirmed the inauguration of the board of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Centre, describing it as “a clear statement of our administration’s commitment to clean sports, athlete protection, international compliance and the credibility of Nigerian sports.”
Ambitious Targets Set
President Tinubu set an ambitious goal for the delegation: “Our target is clear. We want Team Nigeria to surpass its best-ever Commonwealth Games performance. I have every confidence that you possess the talent, determination, and character to achieve this historic feat.”
The President assured the athletes of full government support and the prayers of all Nigerians, stating that the entire nation would be united behind them throughout the competition.
Sports Commission Leadership Speaks
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), thanked the President for his administration’s unprecedented attention to sports development. “Since the beginning of your administration, Nigerian sports have received a level of attention, support and policy direction that is overwhelming and unprecedented,” Dikko said.
NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade revealed that private sector interest in Nigerian sports has surged, with global sportswear company PUMA issuing a challenge to the team. “If we do well, the sponsorship that we will get is going to be historical and unprecedented,” Olopade promised.
Captain’s Vow
Team Nigeria captain Oluwafemi Ayo Folashade pledged to represent the country with distinction and restore its honour on the international stage.
The Nigerian contingent will compete in 10 sports at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with government officials expressing confidence that the athletes will return with a record medal haul while upholding the values of discipline, fairness, and excellence that President Tinubu has championed.
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