The National Sports Commission (NSC) has appointed shot put athlete Chukwuebuka Enekwechi as Team Nigeria’s men’s captain for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The 33-year-old will lead alongside women’s captain Folashade Oluwafemilayo as Nigeria prepares for the multi-sport event.
Enekwechi brings a decorated Commonwealth Games pedigree, having claimed silver at the 2018 edition. He is also the reigning African champion, a champion from the 2019 African Games, and the current National Sports Festival title holder.
Quick facts
- Chukwuebuka Enekwechi named Team Nigeria men’s captain for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
- Enekwechi will co-lead with women’s captain Folashade Oluwafemilayo.
- The Games run from July 23 to August 2 and feature about 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories.
- Nigeria confirmed participation in 10 sports.
- Team Nigeria’s Puma-designed kit will be unveiled on July 1.
- The team is scheduled to depart on Thursday, July 2, for a three-week training camp in Aberdeen.
NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade said the captaincy selections are intended to strengthen a mentorship pathway for emerging athletes. He noted that the commission chose leaders with strong results in their disciplines and a reputation for guiding younger competitors, adding that the decision also reflects Nigeria’s appreciation for their work in putting the national flag on the global stage.
Sports and preparations
The NSC also confirmed Nigeria will compete in 10 sports at the Games. The athletics programme will include the Nigeria contingent in athletics, 3×3 basketball, boxing, judo, swimming, and weightlifting, while wheelchair basketball is also on the roster.
Nigeria will additionally take part in three Para sports: Para athletics, Para cycling, and Para powerlifting. The Commonwealth Games, running from July 23 to August 2, will gather roughly 3,000 athletes across 74 Commonwealth nations and territories.
The NSC said it will reveal the team’s Puma-designed kit on July 1. Team Nigeria then departs on Thursday, July 2, to begin a three-week training camp in Aberdeen.
To build the squad, the NSC stated it collaborated with the Nigeria Olympic Committee and national sports federations. That work covered trials, technical training, and camp planning to finalise the athletes who will represent the country in Glasgow.
