By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has named Nigeria’s leading shot put athlete, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, as Team Nigeria’s male captain for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The United States-based athlete, who won silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, will co-lead the Nigerian contingent alongside two-time Paralympic champion Folashade Oluwafemilayo, who was earlier named the team’s female captain.
Enekwechi, 33, is the reigning African champion in the shot put event. He is also the 2019 African Games champion and the current National Sports Festival champion.
Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, said the appointments reflect the commission’s commitment to promoting mentorship and inspiring the next generation of Nigerian athletes.
According to Olopade, Enekwechi and Oluwafemilayo were selected not only for their outstanding achievements but also for their exemplary character and dedication to representing Nigeria with integrity.
“We have picked individuals who not only have strong track records in their various sports but are also clear mentors to the young athletes for how they have sacrificially dedicated themselves to the country with utmost integrity and respect throughout their careers,” he said.
He added that the appointments were also a way of appreciating the athletes’ contributions to Nigerian sports and reaffirming the government’s commitment to rewarding excellence under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Team Nigeria is scheduled to depart for Scotland on July 2 for a three-week training camp in Aberdeen ahead of the Commonwealth Games, which will run from July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow.
The Nigerian contingent is also expected to unveil its official Puma competition apparel on July 1 before departure.
