The Judo Federation of Nigeria has announced its complete commitment to the National Sports Commission’s performance-focused programme for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, pledging support for Team Nigeria’s medal ambitions in Glasgow.
Federation president Dr. Musa Oshodi made the promise after a high-level meeting with NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade in Abuja. The discussion also involved federation officials working through final preparations ahead of the Games, set to run from July 23 to August 2.
Speaking after the engagement, Dr. Oshodi said the federation is prepared to match the Commission’s urgency immediately, starting with a domestic training camp scheduled to begin on Tuesday, June 9. He added that this will be followed by an overseas camp in Aberdeen, Scotland.
“We are fully aligned with the NSC mandate. Glasgow 2026 is not about showing up for us, it is about taking places on the podium,” Dr. Oshodi stated. “The Director General has set the direction clearly — athlete welfare comes first, discipline is non-negotiable, and results will be the final measure. Judo will not be left behind in this new chapter of Nigerian sport.”
He further explained that the federation has revisited Nigeria’s prior Commonwealth Games showings, pinpointed both technical and logistical shortcomings, and established new structures intended to close those gaps ahead of the next edition.
“The era of last-minute preparations and empty excuses is finished. Our athletes will report early to camp, undergo medical screening, have their techniques sharpened, and be mentally ready for what comes next,” Dr. Oshodi added. “Aberdeen provides the right setting for us to fine-tune our preparation for Glasgow.”
Dr. Oshodi also praised the NSC for placing athlete welfare and operational planning at the centre of its approach, arguing that such attention should translate into a competitive advantage for Nigerian judokas.
“When athletes are cared for properly, performance tends to follow. The NSC is laying the foundation, and our responsibility as a federation is to strengthen it through accountability and professional standards,” he said.
Nigeria’s judo programme has long been a reliable source of medals at the Commonwealth Games, and Dr. Oshodi expressed confidence that Glasgow will deliver even greater returns than earlier tournaments.
“Nigerian judo is prepared. We have the talent, we have a plan, and now we also have the Commission’s backing. Our message to Nigerians is straightforward: expect discipline, expect hard competition, and expect medals from Glasgow,” he concluded.
The NSC has confirmed that Team Nigeria’s overseas training camp will take place in Aberdeen, citing the city’s top-level facilities, weather conditions broadly similar to those in Glasgow, and its closeness to the competition venue. With more than 70 nations and territories expected to participate across over 20 sports, the 2026 Commonwealth Games are set to feature a wide field of competitors.
