Victor Okorie, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s performance director and athletes’ liaison, believes Nigeria’s showing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow has opened a fresh chapter in the nation’s sporting development and should provide momentum towards the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Nigeria collected 10 gold medals in Glasgow, a return Okorie described as especially impressive because the team competed in a shortened programme of just 10 sports. Previous editions had featured approximately 19 or 20 disciplines.
“This is about far more than a medal count; it represents a landmark moment for Nigerian sport,” Okorie said. “Glasgow 2026 should be remembered as the country’s strongest Commonwealth Games performance ever.
“It demonstrates quality prevailing over numbers, excellence overcoming difficult circumstances and resolve rising above restrictions.”
Okorie attributed the success to the organisation and direction provided by the National Sports Commission. He singled out NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade for establishing an environment in which athletes could compete confidently. He also said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had helped rebuild athletes’ morale through consistent government support.
The former Nigerian 400m hurdles international warned that the achievement must not lead to complacency. Glasgow, he said, was “not the finish line” but the launch of a new period for Nigerian sport, with sustained investment capable of taking the country beyond that medal haul at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“We must use this momentum as we work towards Los Angeles 2028,” he added. “With the same vision, thorough preparation and firm dedication to excellence, I am convinced Nigeria can go beyond this performance and create another historic chapter on the Olympic stage.”
