The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Bukola Olopade, are in Glasgow, Scotland, on a presidential assignment to lead Team Nigeria’s campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The duo spearheads Nigeria’s participation at the Games following the charge delivered on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, during the official send-off ceremony for Team Nigeria in Abuja.
Delivering the President’s message, Gbajabiamila urged the athletes to compete with courage and determination, assuring them of the full support of the Federal Government.
He charged them “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,” .
Reinforcing the President’s directive, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, emphasized that the assignment before Team Nigeria is clear and unequivocal.
Dare stated “The President is solidly behind Team Nigeria. The assignment is clear: go to Glasgow, win medals and make Nigeria proud,” .
He further charged the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, to remain focused on the task ahead, avoid distractions and ensure that Team Nigeria not only delivers medals but also surpasses the country’s performance at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
In Glasgow, Dikko is leading Nigeria’s engagements at the Commonwealth Games Federation and ministerial meetings, representing the country’s interests at the highest policy and administrative levels while providing strategic leadership for Team Nigeria.
Olopade is serving as Nigeria’s Chef de Mission, overseeing the day-to-day management of the Nigerian delegation, including welfare and wellbeing of athletes and officials.
With Team Nigeria now fully settled in the Games Village and competition underway, the Commission remains confident that the combination of meticulous preparation, enhanced athlete welfare and unwavering presidential support will inspire the nation’s athletes to deliver another memorable Commonwealth Games performance.Nigeria will be represented by 72 athletes across 10 sports, where they will be competing for glory and honours in athletics, 3×3 basketball, judo, boxing, track cycling, weightlifting, swimming, parapowerlifting, 3×3 wheelchair basketball and para athletics.
