Team Nigeria Eyes Commonwealth Glory After Presidential Send-Off, PUMA Partnership

Team Nigeria Eyes Commonwealth Glory After Presidential Send-Off, PUMA Partnership

By Niyi Busari 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged Team Nigeria to compete with integrity, discipline and excellence as the country prepares for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The President gave the charge on Thursday during a ceremonial send-off for the Nigerian contingent at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Addressing the athletes, Gbajabiamila urged them to see themselves as ambassadors of Nigeria and to uphold the nation's image throughout the Games.

"Medals are valuable, but integrity is priceless. As you wear the green and white, remember that you represent over 200 million Nigerians. Compete fairly, uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, avoid all forms of misconduct, including doping, and make the nation proud," he said.

Following the presidential send-off, the National Sports Commission (NSC) led Team Nigeria, sports officials and stakeholders to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, where global sportswear brand PUMA was unveiled as the team's official kit partner for the Games.

The unveiling marks a significant step in the Commission's efforts to strengthen elite sports development and provide improved support for Nigerian athletes competing on the international stage.

Speaking at the event, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko said the Commission had made deliberate efforts to ensure Team Nigeria is adequately prepared for the competition.

"Today's activities represent our commitment to giving Nigerian athletes the very best as they compete on the global stage. We are fully behind Team Nigeria and have worked tirelessly to ensure they have the support, environment and confidence to succeed. We believe in this team, and we are confident they will make Nigeria proud," Dikko said.

The Director General of the Commission, Bukola Olopade, also reiterated the Commission's zero-tolerance policy on indiscipline and doping, warning that any athlete or official found engaging in misconduct could face sanctions, including expulsion from the Nigerian contingent.

"Every athlete and official must understand that representing Nigeria is both an honour and a responsibility. Your conduct must be exemplary on and off the field of play. We have zero tolerance for indiscipline, doping or any act capable of bringing the country into disrepute. Anyone found wanting will face appropriate sanctions, including possible expulsion from the team," he said.

The events were attended by several prominent figures in Nigeria's sports sector, including Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun; Nigeria Olympic Committee Vice President Solomon Ogba; Director General of the National Institute for Sports Philip Shaibu; former national basketball captain Olumide Oyedeji; athletics legend Mary Onyali; Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre Mainasara Ilo; as well as sports administrators, former athletes and other stakeholders.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2. Team Nigeria will compete in 10 sports with a contingent of 74 athletes aiming to improve the country's medal haul on the Commonwealth stage.