The Director General Of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade has threatened to decamp any athlete displaying any act of indiscipline during the 2026 Commonwealth Games holding from July 23 in Glasgow.
The Director General, who is also the Chef de Mission, stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the unveiling of Team Nigeria’s apparel for the Commonwealth Games .
Olopade said the athletes must show discipline and patriotism at the Games, and not show any act that would undermine the country, pointing out that even where promises are made but not fulfilled immediately,they should exercise patience.
According him, “ the athletes should see us as a family and where there are issues to be discussed, they should be handled like a family and not run to the public to embarrass the family”
He however said the Commission had taken steps to address the welfare needs of the athletes which he described as paramount to spur them to podium finish.
The Director General stated that the Commission has projected winning 20 gold medals based on careful projections and intensive preparations and was confident that the athletes could achieve the target.
Olopade told the athletes that the President Tinubu has done his best to motivate and inspire them, and expects them to reciprocate by meeting the target set for the Games.
The Head Of Marketing Puma, Omola Bamgbose said they are happy to partner with the Commission because of their conviction in the power of sports to inspire and unlock the potential of Nigerian youth.
She appealed to the athletes to strive for excellence and push themselves for podium finish, stressing that their performance could open a new vista of opportunity for the team.
…Dikko Promises Athletes Instant Reward
Meanwhile the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko has assured the Commonwealth Games bound athletes of instant reward for any podium finish on the spot in Glasgow.
Dikko, said the Commission started it at the Islamic Solidarity Games and would continue it to boost athletes morale and encourage them to excel.
He implored the athletes to demonstarte dedication, discipline and patriotism in competing at the games stressing that much has been given to them and the country expects harvest of medals from them.
The NSC Chairman used the occasion to announce a N3m gesture to sprint youngster, Miracle Ezechukwu to continue his education and remain focused .
Miracle Ezechukwu is a highly decorated youth and senior sprint athlete .Her notable achievements include winning gold at the African U-18 and U-20 Championships and securing a national championship in the 200m with a personal best of 22.77 seconds.
She also recently earned a track and field scholarship to Auburn University in the United States.
Team Nigeria will depart the country on July 3 for Aberdeen for their foreign training camp to fine-tune their preparations before the Games begin on July 23.
