Kickboxing Federation President Praises NSC Changes

Mykel Eneduwa, the President of the Kickboxing Federation of Nigeria, has praised the clear leadership and significant changes at the National Sports Commission. He believes these factors helped Nigeria finish top in Africa at the Commonwealth Games.

Team Nigeria came back from Glasgow 2026 with a seventh-place finish overall. They led the African countries with a total of 24 medals, including 10 gold, seven silver, and seven bronze.

Eneduwa praised NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade for their quick rewards and changes in administration. He said these improvements got rid of issues that had troubled Nigeria in past competitions.

“For years, Nigeria’s outings at major competitions were defined as much by unpaid allowances and administrative issues as by results. That narrative was absent in Scotland,” he said.

“Dikko and Olopade got the results by removing distractions and putting athletes first. Without the usual welfare concerns, the team competed with confidence, and that confidence translated to record-breaking runs, historic firsts, and consistent podium finishes.”

Nigeria's success began with Esther Nworgu winning in the women’s lightweight para powerlifting. Goodness Nwachukwu then created a memorable moment by winning the women’s F42 discus and breaking her own world record.

On the track, Ezekiel Nathaniel made history as the first Nigerian man to win Commonwealth Games gold in the men’s 400m hurdles. Samuel Ogazi also won gold in the men’s 400m.

Chukwuebuka Enekwechi secured Nigeria’s first gold in the men’s shot put at the Commonwealth Games. Ruth Usoro grabbed silver in the women’s long jump, while Idris Riluwan won another gold in para powerlifting. Tobi Amusan, despite competing through injury, still reached the podium with bronze in the women’s 100m hurdles.

Eneduwa believes these results show that the changes at the NSC go beyond just winning medals. He pointed out improvements in governance and branding that the NSC has been promoting across national sports federations.