Team Nigeria Heads to Glasgow for Commonwealth Games

The first group of Team Nigeria athletes and officials left their training camp in Aberdeen, Scotland, today. They are heading to Glasgow just three days before the start of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

A second group will arrive at the Games Village on Friday, July 24. They will join teammates who are already there for the opening days of competition.

This movement comes after weeks of hard training and getting used to the weather in Aberdeen. Team Nigeria has worked hard to prepare for one of the biggest sports events in the Commonwealth. The National Sports Commission has provided support in technical, medical, and welfare areas to ensure the team arrives in Glasgow ready to compete.

Sprinter Favour Ashe praised the Commission for the quality of the camp. She said allowances were paid in full before the Games. “The camp has been excellent. Our allowances have been paid in full, the facilities are world-class, and the feeding is of a very high standard. The National Sports Commission has done a fantastic job in ensuring we have everything we need to prepare for the Commonwealth Games,” Ashe said. She added that the arrangements let athletes focus on training without worrying about welfare issues.

Former World and Olympic wrestling champion Daniel Igali shared similar views in an earlier interview. He praised the leadership of the NSC.

Team Nigeria's chances for medals have improved thanks to strong performances in recent continental and international competitions. World record holder Tobi Amusan joined the camp in Aberdeen last week. She has had a successful Diamond League season, which secured her a spot in the final in Brussels, Belgium.

Amusan, who is 29 years old, aims to win her third consecutive Commonwealth 100m hurdles title. She won gold in 2018 and 2022. She arrives in Glasgow as the favorite after defending her African title in Ghana earlier this year. She has also clocked a season’s best of 12.28 seconds on three occasions.

However, Nigeria faced a setback when long jump star Ese Brume withdrew due to injury. This ended her chance to defend her title from the last Games, where she set a record leap of 7.00m. Ruth Usoro has been added to the team in her place. Usoro will compete alongside Prestina Ochonogor in the women’s long jump.