By our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged Team Nigeria to compete with courage, integrity and discipline at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, urging the athletes to make the nation proud by winning through fair competition.
The President gave the charge on Thursday during the Presidential Send-off Ceremony for the Nigerian contingent at the State House, Abuja. He was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Describing the athletes as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria’s resilience, talent and determination, Tinubu expressed confidence that they would excel on the global stage and surpass the country’s previous performances at the Commonwealth Games.
“You have trained for this moment. You have sacrificed for this moment. Go to Glasgow with confidence, discipline and unity. Go with patriotism and with the mindset that Nigeria can stand with the very best in the world,” the President said.
He urged the athletes to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, warning against any form of misconduct or doping.
“I want you to compete with courage, honour and integrity. Win clean. Let every medal you earn reflect your commitment, your dedication and the values that define our great nation. Winning is important, but winning clean is more important. Medals are valuable, but integrity is priceless,” he said.
The President reminded the athletes of the importance of representing the country’s values on the international stage, saying their conduct should reflect discipline, fairness and respect for the rules.
Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening sports development through sustained investment in athletes and robust anti-doping measures.
He noted that the signing of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act into law and the inauguration of the board of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Centre demonstrate the government’s determination to promote clean sports, protect athletes and safeguard Nigeria’s reputation internationally.
“We are determined as a country to build a sports system where our athletes can succeed without suspicion, where our victories are respected, and where Nigeria is known not only for talent but also for discipline, integrity and excellence,” he said.
The President assured Team Nigeria of the support and prayers of the Federal Government and Nigerians throughout the competition.
“Our target is clear. We want Team Nigeria to surpass its best-ever Commonwealth Games performance. I have every confidence that you possess the talent, determination and character to achieve this historic feat,” he added.
Team Nigeria was led to the Presidential Villa by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, alongside the Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, and the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dikko thanked President Tinubu for his continued support for sports development, describing the administration’s investment and policy direction as unprecedented.
He said the Renewed Hope Initiative had repositioned sports as a catalyst for youth development, economic growth, national unity and international visibility.
Dikko also commended the President for signing the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act into law, saying it had strengthened the country’s commitment to clean sports and enhanced its credibility in international competitions.
Also speaking, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade said the administration’s reforms had attracted increased private-sector investment into Nigerian sports, expressing optimism that a successful outing in Glasgow would open the door to historic sponsorship opportunities.
Team Nigeria captain, Oluwafemi Ayo Folashade, assured the President that the athletes would compete with determination and discipline to restore the country’s sporting glory.
Nigeria will be represented by a 72-member contingent competing in 10 sports at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Government officials expressed confidence that Team Nigeria would return with a record medal haul while upholding the values of integrity, fairness and excellence.
