By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
ABUJA – The National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed confidence that Team Nigeria remains on course to achieve its medal targets at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow following another podium finish by the country’s athletes.
Nigeria’s latest medal came on Sunday when Ruth Asuquo Nyong won silver in the women’s 48kg weightlifting event with a combined lift of 168kg, made up of 75kg in the snatch and 93kg in the clean and jerk.
Reacting to the performance, the Director General of the NSC and Team Nigeria’s Chef de Mission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said the result reflects the steady progress being made by the Nigerian contingent and aligns with the medal projections of the Commission’s Elite Board.
According to Olopade, Nyong surpassed expectations, having been projected to win bronze but ultimately securing silver.
“If the projections of the Elite Board are anything to go by, we’re still on track. Even for Ruth, the expectation was a bronze medal and she won a silver. It’s an upward progression rather than downward,” he said.
Olopade also expressed optimism that the athletics team would significantly increase Nigeria’s medal tally, revealing that the Commission is expecting between seven and eight gold medals from the track and field events.
He praised the athletes, coaches and officials for their dedication and resilience, noting that Nigerian sports are regaining a strong identity under the Commission’s ongoing reforms.
“I am very proud of the young men and women and officials I have had the opportunity to work with over the past one and a half years. Many people are saying they can see an identity in our sports again after a long time, and that on its own is a gold medal,” he said.
The NSC Director General reaffirmed that athlete welfare remains a top priority under the leadership of the Commission’s Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, stressing that athletes deserve recognition and adequate support for their sacrifices.
He added that the Commission remains committed to rewarding excellence while encouraging Team Nigeria athletes to continue making the country proud.
