Nigeria’s athletes have been urged to chase medals in the 2026 Commonwealth Games with the same intensity they bring to training—while placing integrity, discipline, and unity above all else—after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a stern message at the official send-off in Abuja.
Key takeaways
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu called on Nigeria’s Commonwealth Games contingent to compete with courage, discipline, integrity, and patriotism.
- The President said Team Nigeria’s 72-member squad is expected to top the nation’s best-ever showing at the Games.
- Tinubu insisted that clean victories matter more than medals, stressing fair play and respect for rules.
- The administration highlighted anti-doping progress, including the signing of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act and the inauguration of the anti-doping centre’s technical board.
- Federal Government support was reaffirmed, alongside prayers from Nigerians, as the delegation prepared to depart for Scotland.
President Tinubu sets the tone for Glasgow
President Tinubu charged Nigeria’s contingent to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, during a Presidential Send-off Ceremony held at the State House in Abuja on Thursday. Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the President urged the athletes to represent the country with bravery and discipline, while making Nigeria proud through fair competition and spotless wins.
He described the athletes as capable ambassadors of Nigeria’s resilience, talent, and determination, urging them to stay sharp, remain united, and keep their discipline throughout the tournament.
In a statement delivered by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu told the team: “You have trained for this moment. You have sacrificed for this moment. Go to Glasgow with confidence, discipline, and unity. Go with patriotism and with the mindset that Nigeria can stand with the very best in the world.”
He added that participation in the Games is also a reflection of national character and moral standards, saying Nigeria is effectively “exporting” its values to the global stage. Tinubu referenced what happened at the last edition in Birmingham, describing it as a mistake of judgment, and said the experience must serve as a lesson so that similar issues do not occur again.
The President also framed success in modern sports as something measured beyond podium finishes, stressing that integrity and fair play are non-negotiable. He called on the athletes to compete with courage, honour, and integrity, insisting that any medal should mirror dedication and the principles that define Nigeria.
“Win clean. Let every medal you earn reflect your commitment, your dedication, and the values that define our great nation. Winning is important, but winning clean is more important. Medals are valuable, but integrity is priceless,” Tinubu said.
He further stated that the full meaning of winning is only realized when achieved through discipline, fairness, hard work, and respect for the rules. He then urged every athlete to go to Glasgow to compete boldly while also competing clean, as one coordinated team, warning them not to be misled.
“The world of sports today places great emphasis on integrity, and Nigeria must not be left behind,” he added.
Anti-doping push and the push for Nigeria’s best-ever result
Alongside the message on integrity, Tinubu said the government has taken concrete steps to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-doping framework and improve confidence in the country’s sports system. He recalled that he signed the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act into law last year, creating a stronger legal and institutional structure for clean sport, and he noted that the Technical Board of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Centre was inaugurated earlier on Thursday.
He described the move as proof of the administration’s commitment to clean sports, athlete protection, international compliance, and the credibility of Nigerian athletics.
“Our administration has taken decisive steps to strengthen the anti-doping systems in the country. Last year, I assented to the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act, which provides a stronger legal and institutional framework for clean sports in Nigeria,” Tinubu said.
He added: “Today, the board of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Centre has also been inaugurated, and this shows a clear statement of our administration’s commitment to clean sports, athlete protection, international compliance and the credibility of Nigerian sports.”
Tinubu said Nigeria is determined to build a sports environment where athletes can succeed without suspicion, where victories are respected, and where the country is recognized not only for talent but for discipline, integrity, and excellence.
The President also assured the athletes of the Federal Government’s full support and said Nigerians would continue to pray for the team throughout the Games.
He reiterated the target for Team Nigeria, stating: “Our target is clear. We want Team Nigeria to surpass its best-ever Commonwealth Games performance. I have every confidence that you possess the talent, determination, and character to achieve this historic feat.”
Tinubu urged the contingent to remain focused under pressure, respect their opponents, and carry the Green-White-Green flag with pride.
Delegation leadership and messages from sports officials and captain
The Nigerian delegation was taken to the State House by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, together with the NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu, and other officials.
Speaking for the delegation, Dikko thanked the President for approving the presidential send-off ceremony and praised the administration’s backing for sports development. He said that since Tinubu assumed office, Nigerian sports had received an unprecedented level of attention, support, and policy direction.
Dikko also highlighted the Renewed Hope Initiative on the Nigerian sports economy, saying Tinubu’s programme has given sports a fresh national initiative aimed at driving youth development and economic growth, while supporting national unity, investment, diplomacy, and global visibility.
He further commended Tinubu for signing the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act into law, describing the inauguration of the anti-doping centre’s board as additional evidence of the administration’s determination to protect athletes and safeguard Nigeria’s sporting reputation.
NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade said the reforms have strengthened private-sector confidence in Nigerian sports. She disclosed that improved performances at the Commonwealth Games could unlock sponsorship opportunities on a major scale.
Olopade told the President: “Your Excellency, let me inform you that if we do well, the sponsorship that we will get is going to be historical and unprecedented, and PUMA, a global sportswear company, has challenged us in this direction, and I assure you that we will do well.”
In her goodwill message, Team Nigeria captain, Oluwafemi Ayo Folashade, pledged that the athletes would compete honourably, represent the country with distinction, and help restore Nigeria’s sporting glory.
