- Tinubu urged Team Nigeria to compete with discipline and determination.
- The team leaves for Scotland to prepare for the Commonwealth Games
- Officials are targeting up to 20 gold medals in Glasgow
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday formally presented Nigeria’s contingent for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, urging the athletes to represent the country with determination, discipline and pride.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the farewell ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja ahead of the team’s departure for Scotland.
Team Nigeria is scheduled to leave the country on Friday for Aberdeen, where the athletes will spend three weeks in a training camp before relocating to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, which will run from July 23 to August 2.
Nigeria will compete in 10 sporting events with a delegation of 74 athletes. The team hopes to improve on its impressive outing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where it topped the African medal table with 35 medals, including 12 gold, nine silver and 14 bronze.
Ahead of the team’s departure, officials of the National Institute for Sports (NIS) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) expressed confidence that Nigeria could return home with at least 20 gold medals.
Director General of the NIS, Philip Shaibu, attributed the optimism to the early preparations and improved planning for the Games.
He said athletes had been provided with the necessary support for training and travel, adding that it was now their responsibility to reward Nigerians with outstanding performances.
NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko also praised the level of preparation, saying the country’s strategy focused on long term planning rather than last minute arrangements.
According to him, arriving in Scotland well before the competition will allow the athletes to adjust to the environment and compete at their best.
NSC Director General Bukola Olopade stressed the importance of discipline, warning that any athlete found guilty of misconduct would be removed from the team regardless of status.
He also cautioned athletes against using social media to spread negative narratives during the Games, saying such actions could attract disciplinary measures, including expulsion.
The athletes have been in a closed training camp in Abuja ahead of their departure, with government officials expressing confidence that the team is well prepared to deliver another successful Commonwealth Games campaign.
