FG urges Team Nigeria to do better than in Birmingham

The Federal Government has urged Team Nigeria to do better than its performance at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. National Sports Commission chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and director general, Bukola Olopade, have arrived in Glasgow to oversee the country’s efforts at the 2026 edition.

The two officials traveled to Scotland on a special mission from the president. They want to ensure Team Nigeria achieves success and wins medals, after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent a message through them.

The mandate was given in Abuja during a send-off ceremony. The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, presented the President’s message to the athletes. He urged them to harness the Nigerian spirit and assured them of support from the Federal Government.

“Go out there, win medals, and wait for a grateful nation to reward you. The President is solidly behind you. He wants you to make Nigeria proud by winning laurels,” Gbajabiamila said.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, also reinforced this message. He said the goal in Glasgow is to achieve excellence. He tasked the Commission’s leadership to stay focused, avoid distractions, and do better than Nigeria’s past performance in Birmingham.

“The President is solidly behind Team Nigeria. The assignment is clear: go to Glasgow, win medals, and make Nigeria proud,” Dare said.

In Glasgow, the Commission’s leadership has a two-part plan to ensure Nigeria makes a strong impact both in and out of the competition. Dikko is leading high-level talks at the Commonwealth Games Federation and ministerial meetings to promote Nigeria’s sports interests. Meanwhile, Olopade, as Nigeria’s Chef de Mission, is in charge of daily operations, including logistics, medical support, and athlete welfare during the Games.

Team Nigeria has 72 athletes competing in ten sports. These include athletics, three-a-side basketball, wheelchair basketball, judo, boxing, track cycling, weightlifting, swimming, para powerlifting, and para athletics. The athletes are now settled in the Games Village, and events have started. Morale is high among the team, thanks to thorough preparation, improved welfare, and support from the President. The Commission believes Team Nigeria is ready to deliver a record-breaking performance in Glasgow.