President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially sent off Team Nigeria to the 2026 Commonwealth Games, urging the nation’s athletes to compete with integrity, discipline and excellence while serving as worthy ambassadors of the country.
The President, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, delivered the charge during a colourful ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.
Addressing the athletes, Gbajabiamila stressed that while medals are important, preserving Nigeria’s image and reputation is paramount.
“Medals are valuable, but integrity is priceless. As you wear the green and white, remember that you represent over 200 million Nigerians. Compete fairly, uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, avoid all forms of misconduct, including doping, and make the nation proud,” he said.
Following the presidential send-off, the National Sports Commission (NSC) led Team Nigeria, sports officials and stakeholders to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, where global sportswear manufacturer PUMA was officially unveiled as the team’s kit partner for the Games.
The unveiling marked another milestone in the Commission’s efforts to reposition Nigerian sports and provide world-class support for the country’s elite athletes ahead of the multi-sport event in Glasgow.
National Sports Commission Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said the twin events reflected the Commission’s determination to ensure Team Nigeria is fully equipped for success.
“Today’s activities represent our commitment to giving Nigerian athletes the very best as they compete on the global stage. We are fully behind Team Nigeria and have worked tirelessly to ensure they have the support, environment and confidence to succeed. We believe in this team, and we are confident they will make Nigeria proud,” Dikko said.
The Commission’s Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, warned athletes and officials that discipline and professionalism would remain non-negotiable throughout the Games.
He maintained that the Commission has zero tolerance for indiscipline, doping or any conduct capable of bringing Nigeria into disrepute, adding that offenders would face sanctions, including possible expulsion from the national contingent.
Among the dignitaries at the events were former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Vice-President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Chief Solomon Ogba; Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu; former Nigeria basketball captain Olumide Oyedeji; athletics legend Mary Onyali; Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre, Mallam Mainasara Ilo; alongside sports administrators, former internationals and other stakeholders.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August, with Team Nigeria expected to compete in 10 sports. The Nigerian contingent comprises 74 athletes aiming to deliver another memorable performance for the country.
