The leadership of the Association of Nigeria Women In Sports (NAWIS) has reserved special praise for the athletes and officials of Team Nigeria, for their brilliant outing at the 23rd edition of the Commonwealth Games, which ended last weekend in Glasgow, Scotland.
In a release signed by Professor Maryam Olufunke Suleiman, President of NAWIS, the umbrella body
that sees to the promotion of Girls and Women’s participation in Sports; louded Team Nigeria’s overall 7th position, and finishing the scaled-down and low budget games, as the best African contingent, with a total of 23 medals, comprising 10 Gold 7 Silverr, and 6 Bronze medals.
Remarkably, NAWIS whose membership (former and active sports women) spread across the states of the federation, FCT Abuja, and the diaspora; welcomed the improved performances of male athletes, like hurdler Nathaniel Ezekiel, quartermiler Samuel Ogazi, and Chukwuebuka Enekwachi (Shot Put); but also noted that like in recent previous major competitors, the female folk were once again dominant.
“We especially celebrate our women athletes, who once again proved to be the heartbeat of Team Nigeria. Their grit on the track, mats, in the ring, and on the field has surely inspired millions of young girls, across Nigeria and the diaspora to take to sports, and imbibe its virtues, while bringing honour to the country”.
Female Gold medal winners like Onome Omolola Didih, and Rafiatu Lawal (Weightlifting); Foloshade
Esther Nworgu and Okuwafemiayo; and Goodness Chiemerie Nwachukwu”s Gold in Women’s Para Discus Throw F42-44/F61-64 made her one of Team Nigeria’s biggest stars at Glasgow 2026
The message also praised the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC), for prioritizing top notch arrangements, including camping of the athletes in Arbadeen, prompt payment of camp allowances, and bonuses to properly motivate the athletes.
“Team Nigeria’s outing in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, was marked by courage, discipline, and a true Nigerian spirit. Our athletes competed with honour and brought immense pride to our nation. We celebrate every medal won, every final reached, and every personal best recorded and milestone, achieve “.
NAWIS further urged the NSC leadership to build on the gains of strategic planning, early camping, improved athlete welfare, and technical support that created the enabling environment for the successes,
achieved in Glasgow, with a view to replicating them, or exceeding such at the next Olympics, in Los Angeles, USA.
Finally, NAWIS commended the athletes, for comporting themselves responsibly, and representing the country with honour, by competing as clean athletes; while also acknowledging the dedication of coaches, medical team, and other support staff, that ensured that the funds invested in sports development and gender inclusion, yielded far reaching and eye-catching dividends.
As the apex body advocating for women in sports, NAWIS also pledged to continue working with the NSC with a view to strengthening grassroots programmes, talent identification, and post-Games athlete welfare.
By: Chinedum Ohanusi
