President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, officially said goodbye to Team Nigeria as they get ready for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The Federal Government is showing its support for the country's athletes, according to The PUNCH.
The send-off event took place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. It aimed to motivate the Nigerian team as they prepare to leave for the UK. The President urged the athletes and officials to compete with courage, discipline, and the strong spirit that Nigeria is known for in sports.
Team Nigeria will leave the country on Friday for Aberdeen, Scotland. There, the athletes will spend three weeks in a training camp before heading to Glasgow for the Games, which will run from July 23 to August 2.
Nigeria will take part in ten sports with a 74-member team, hoping to do better than at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. In that event, Nigeria finished as Africa's top team, winning 35 medals: 12 gold, nine silver, and 14 bronze.
Before the President's send-off, officials from the National Institute for Sports and the National Sports Commission announced that they expect the team to win at least 20 gold medals in Glasgow.
Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Director-General of the NIS, expressed confidence in the team’s preparations. He said this time is better organized than previous years.
"We thank God for the timely preparation, which is different from what we used to have," Shaibu said.
"Just as we have charged the athletes, they should go there and win. Everything needed for their preparation and travel has been provided. It is now up to them to make Nigerians proud by winning medals. I am confident they can bring back 20 gold medals."
Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the NSC, said the preparations for the Games came from long-term planning, not a last-minute rush. He also projected between 16 and 20 gold medals for Nigeria.
"This is a clear demonstration of timely preparation. We have been preparing well ahead of the Games, from talent scouting to where we are today," Dikko said.
"We are taking the team 20 days before the competition to help them adjust to the environment and perform at their best."
Bukola Olopade, the NSC Director-General, said their plans are based on careful execution. He also warned athletes about discipline, stating that no one would be spared for bad behavior.
"This is where we draw the line. No matter how big an athlete is, once he or she misbehaves, that person will be expelled. If you spread negative stories on social media, you will be expelled," Olopade said.
The athletes have been in a closed camping program in Abuja before their departure. President Tinubu's farewell is expected to give Team Nigeria a morale boost as they aim for another successful outing at the Commonwealth Games.
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