By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Team Nigeria athletes preparing for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow have praised the National Sports Commission (NSC) for what they described as improved welfare, quality preparations and unprecedented support ahead of the multi-sport event.
The athletes, led by Team Nigeria captain and Paralympic champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo, said the Commission’s athlete-centred approach has created an enabling environment that allows competitors to focus fully on preparations for the Games.
Speaking in an interview with the Special Assistant (Media) to the Director General of the NSC, Kola Daniel, Oluwafemiayo commended the Commission for providing quality training facilities, sports kits, improved welfare packages, accommodation, medical support and logistics.
She said the level of preparation had boosted the confidence and morale of the contingent.
“We are genuinely impressed with the level of preparation. The welfare has been excellent, our training facilities have been top quality, the kits are ready, and every athlete feels valued. The National Sports Commission has demonstrated a genuine commitment to ensuring that Team Nigeria is adequately prepared to compete at the highest level,” she said.
Other members of Team Nigeria also praised the Commission, describing the atmosphere in camp as one of optimism, unity and determination to deliver strong performances for the country.
According to the athletes, early planning by the NSC has addressed many of the logistical challenges that affected Nigeria’s participation at previous international competitions. They pledged to repay the Commission’s confidence by winning medals for the country.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Scotland from July 23 to August 2, featuring 10 sports and an integrated para-sport programme.
Nigeria heads into the Games seeking to build on its impressive performance at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, with strong medal prospects in athletics, weightlifting, boxing, wrestling and para-sports.
Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi will captain Team Nigeria’s female and male contingents respectively, while the National Sports Commission has identified early camping, athlete welfare, meticulous planning and technical support as key elements of its preparations for the Games.
