British High Commissioner to Nigeria Richard Montgomery welcomed Team Nigeria at a reception in Abuja after the athletes returned from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Nigeria emerged as Africa’s best-performing nation at the event and the continent’s sole representative in the overall top 10. The team claimed 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze.
Held on Friday evening at the UK High Commissioner’s residence, the gathering was attended by athletes, coaches, National Sports Commission officials, representatives of the Nigerian Olympic Committee and members of the British High Commission.
The event underscored the close relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, while also celebrating sport’s capacity to promote friendship, cooperation and links between people throughout the Commonwealth.
Montgomery praised the athletes’ determination during the reception.
“It was a pleasure to receive Team Nigeria’s athletes, coaches and officials and celebrate what they achieved at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Nigeria showed exceptional talent, commitment and resilience in Glasgow. Sport has a special power to unite people, and this reception represents the deep and lasting partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, founded on shared values and longstanding Commonwealth connections.”
Shehu Dikko, chairman of the National Sports Commission, thanked the High Commission for hosting the event before seeking Montgomery’s backing for Nigeria’s campaign to stage the 2034 Commonwealth Games.
“Looking ahead, Nigeria hopes to secure the backing of the British Government and our friends throughout the UK for its 2034 Commonwealth Games hosting bid. As you may remember, we sought to host the 2030 edition, but India was awarded those Games. At the Commonwealth Ministers’ Meeting in Glasgow, however, there was unanimous agreement that the 2034 event should be held in Africa. The African council collectively chose Nigeria to put forward as the host country for 2034. We hope we can count on your support when the decision is made.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s showing in Glasgow, Dikko said the athletes had given the whole country reason to celebrate.
“The exceptional efforts of our athletes, coaches and officials in Glasgow have filled the nation with pride. Their record-setting results, historic accomplishments and steadfast dedication have again highlighted Nigeria’s enormous sporting promise. We will keep improving the support structures around our athletes and supply the essential tools needed to build on this momentum.”
About 3,000 athletes representing 74 nations and territories took part in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
