…targets record medal haul as 72 athletes depart for Glasgow
…says integrity, discipline more valuable than medals
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday charged Nigeria’s contingent to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, to compete with courage, discipline, integrity and patriotism, urging them to make the country proud through fair competition and clean victories.
The President also set an ambitious target for Team Nigeria, expressing confidence that the 72-member contingent would surpass the country’s best-ever performance at the Commonwealth Games while projecting Nigeria’s values on the global stage.
Tinubu gave the charge through his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, during the Presidential Send-off Ceremony for Team Nigeria at the State House, Abuja, ahead of the team’s departure for Scotland.
Describing the athletes as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria’s resilience, talent and determination, the President urged them to remain focused, united and disciplined throughout the competition.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said, “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.
“We must remember that we’re exporting our values, our moral values, our core values as a nation. I know what happened last time in Birmingham, maybe perhaps an error of judgment and that nothing like that will happen this time around, and that experience must be a lesson for all of us,” he said.
Tinubu reminded the athletes that success in modern sports is measured not only by medals but also by adherence to the highest standards of integrity and fair play.
“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.
“The glory of victory is only complete when it is achieved through discipline, fairness, hard work and respect for the rules.
“I therefore charge every athlete here today to go to Glasgow and compete with courage, but also compete clean, compete as one united team. Let your performance be driven by talent, training, discipline and the Nigerian fighting spirit and do not allow anyone to mislead you. The world of sports today places great emphasis on integrity, and Nigeria must not be left behind,” he added.
The President said his administration had taken decisive steps to strengthen the country’s anti-doping regime and build confidence in Nigerian sports.
He recalled that he had signed the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act into law last year, providing a stronger legal and institutional framework for clean sports, while noting that the Technical Board of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Centre was inaugurated earlier on Thursday.
“Our administration has taken decisive steps to strengthen the anti-doping systems in the country. Last year, I assented to the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act, which provides a stronger legal and institutional framework for clean sports in Nigeria.
“Today, the board of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Centre has also been inaugurated, and this shows a clear statement of our administration’s commitment to clean sports, athlete protection, international compliance and the credibility of Nigerian sports.
“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.
Tinubu assured the athletes of the Federal Government’s full support and the prayers of Nigerians throughout the Games.
“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 said, urging the contingent to remain focused under pressure, respect their opponents and carry the Green-White-Green flag with pride.
The Nigerian delegation was led to the State House by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, along with the Commission’s Director-General, Bukola Olopade, the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu, and other officials.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dikko thanked the President for approving the presidential send-off ceremony and praised his administration’s support for sports development.
“Since the beginning of your administration, Nigerian sports have received a level of attention, support and policy direction that is overwhelming and unprecedented.
“Through the Renewed Hope Initiative on the Nigerian sports economy, Your Excellency has given sports a new national initiative and focus to become a driver of youth development and economic growth, national unity, investment, diplomacy and global visibility,” he said.
Dikko also commended Tinubu for signing the Nigeria Anti-Doping Act into law, describing the inauguration of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre board as further proof of the administration’s determination to protect Nigerian athletes and preserve the country’s sporting reputation.
Also speaking, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade said the President’s reforms had boosted private-sector confidence in Nigerian sports, disclosing that improved performance at the Games could unlock unprecedented sponsorship opportunities.
“Your Excellency, let me inform you that if we do well, the sponsorship that we will get is going to be historical and unprecedented, and PUMA, a global sportswear company, has challenged us in this direction, and I assure you that we will do well,” he said.
In her goodwill message, Team Nigeria captain, Oluwafemi Ayo Folashade, pledged that the athletes would compete honourably, represent the country with distinction and restore Nigeria’s sporting glory.
