Olopade aims for eight gold medals in Glasgow athletics

Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, believes that Team Nigeria’s athletics squad can win between seven and eight gold medals. The track and field events start today at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, according to The PUNCH.

Athletics will kick off with Nigeria competing in the men’s and women’s 100m heats. Nigeria will also take part in the women’s hammer throw and the women’s F57 para shot put.

Reigning national champion Favour Ashe and Fakorede Adekalu will lead Nigeria in the men’s 100m heats as they aim for semi-final spots. Miracle Ezechukwu will run in the women’s 100m heats. Sade Olatoye will compete in the women’s hammer throw, and Eucharia Iyiazi will participate in the women’s F57 para shot put.

While in Glasgow, Olopade expressed strong faith in the athletes’ chances for medals. He said that the projections from the NSC’s elite board show Nigeria is set for a good performance.

“So far, so good. If the projections of the elite board are anything to go by, we are still on track. I was with the athletics team and the spirit is very high. We are hoping for about seven to eight gold medals there,” Olopade stated.

He also shared his pride in the athletes and officials he has worked with over the past one and a half years. He mentioned that many are recognizing Nigeria’s identity in sports.

“Beyond all of this, I am very proud of the athletes and the officials I have worked with over the last one and a half years. It is so obvious that Nigeria can stand firm and be counted. I am happy to hear that so many people are saying they see an identity in our sports,” he said.

Olopade stressed the commission’s focus on athlete welfare. He called it an important part of the current administration’s goals.

“When we said athletes’ welfare was number one, it is because we knew where we were coming from. It is very demoralising when athletes don’t get the feeling that they are appreciated. It is about patriotism, but it is also about rewards,” he noted.