…As NigeriaTtargets 20 Gold medals At C/Wealth Games
…Olopade Says Projections Based on Careful Planning.
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has expressed confidence that Team Nigeria will deliver an outstanding performance at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, declaring that the country is capable of winning at least 20 gold medals.
Speaking during the official unveiling of Team Nigeria’s apparel, Shaibu attributed his optimism to the timely preparation the athletes have received, describing it as a significant departure from previous experiences.
Shaibu said “Just as we have charged the athletes, they should go there and win. Everything needed for their preparation and travel has been provided. It is now left for them to appreciate Nigerians and Nigeria by making us proud by winning medals.”
He added that the athletes have demonstrated the spirit of Nigerian dominance and resilience, giving him confidence in their ability to triumph at the Games.
He stated “With what I have seen in them, I am confident they can return with 20 gold medals,” .
Shaibu also highlighted the NIS’s commitment to grassroots sports development, noting that the institute has intensified efforts to discover and nurture talents across the country.
According to him, “As far as the NIS is concerned, we have taken sports to the grassroots to encourage greater participation, take advantage of our large population, and ensure Nigeria qualifies consistently for major international competitions going forward” .
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, said the nation’s preparations for the Games did not begin recently but were the result of long-term planning and talent identification.
According to him “This is a clear demonstration of timely preparation. We have been preparing well ahead of the Games, from talent scouting to where we are today,” .
Dikko said the Commission is projecting between 16 and 20 gold medals, expressing confidence in the athletes’ readiness.
He added “We will continue to motivate them without delay. We are taking the team 20 days ahead of the competition to allow them acclimatize to the environment and maximize their performance” .
In his remarks, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, said the Commission’s projections are based on careful planning and deliberate execution.
Olopade said “We believe in projections. Once a projection is submitted, we work tirelessly towards achieving it, and that is exactly what we have done,”.
According to him, experience has shown that with proper preparation, any athlete can be defeated, citing examples from previous international competitions where favourites failed to reach the podium.
He noted “For the past one and a half years, it has been sleepless nights for me, members of the Commission and my team. But to whom much is given, much is expected,” .
Olopade also issued a strong warning to members of Team Nigeria, stressing that discipline would not be compromised.
He warned “This is where we draw the line. No matter how big an athlete is, once he or she misbehaves, such a person will be expelled. If you spread negative narratives on social media, you will be expelled,”.
Using a family analogy, he urged athletes to resolve grievances internally rather than taking them to the public.
According to him, “If your father forgets to give you pocket money before you travel, you don’t go outside to report your father. See every one of us as your family and parents. Talk to us if we are wrong, and we will apologize and correct whatever needs to be fixed. But if you do otherwise, you will be expelled.”
He reiterated that strict compliance with the Commission’s rules is mandatory.
Olopade declared “Everyone must abide by the rules of the National Sports Commission or stay at home. Whoever is out of the team is out”
