By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially sent off Team Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, urging the nation’s athletes to compete with honour, discipline and excellence while representing the country on the global stage.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Femi Gbajabiamila, the President gave the charge during a send-off ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday. He reminded the athletes that while winning medals is important, protecting Nigeria’s image and reputation is paramount.
According to him, the athletes should compete fairly, uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, avoid doping and other forms of misconduct, and make the nation proud as representatives of more than 200 million Nigerians.
Following the presidential ceremony, the National Sports Commission (NSC) led Team Nigeria, officials and stakeholders to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, where global sportswear brand PUMA was officially unveiled as the team’s kit partner for the Games.
The unveiling marks a key milestone in the Commission’s efforts to reposition Nigerian sports and provide world-class support for elite athletes.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring the success of Team Nigeria, stating that the athletes have been provided with the necessary support, environment and confidence to excel at the Games.
Director-General of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, stressed that discipline and exemplary conduct would remain non-negotiable throughout the competition, warning that any athlete or official involved in indiscipline, doping or acts capable of bringing Nigeria into disrepute would face strict sanctions, including possible expulsion from the contingent.
The ceremonies were attended by several dignitaries, including former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Chief Solomon Ogba; Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu; former basketball international Olumide Oyedeji; athletics legend Mary Onyali; Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre, Mallam Mainasara Ilo; and other sports administrators and stakeholders.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2. Team Nigeria will compete in 10 sports with a contingent of 74 athletes seeking to win honours for the country.
