Shaibu Confident Team Nigeria Will Shine in Glasgow
Team Nigeria has been charged to deliver a historic performance at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with the Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, declaring that the nation is capable of winning at least 20 gold medals.
Speaking during the official unveiling of Team Nigeria, Shaibu expressed confidence in the athletes’ preparation and resilience, describing the build-up as a significant improvement on past experiences.
‘We thank God for the timely preparation, which is different from what we used to have. 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 said.
Shaibu highlighted the athletes’ spirit of dominance and resilience, insisting that their performances will reflect Nigeria’s strength.
He also reaffirmed the NIS’s commitment to grassroots sports development, noting intensified efforts to discover and nurture talent nationwide.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, emphasized that Nigeria’s preparations were the result of long-term planning and talent identification.
‘We have been preparing well ahead of the Games, from talent scouting to where we are today. We are projecting between 16 and 20 gold medals, and we are confident in the athletes’ readiness,’ he stated.
NSC Director General Bukola Olopade added that the Commission’s medal projections were based on careful planning and deliberate execution. He stressed that discipline and exemplary conduct would remain non-negotiable, warning that misconduct would attract strict sanctions, including expulsion from the team.
‘No matter how big an athlete is, once he or she misbehaves, such a person will be expelled. Everyone must abide by the rules of the National Sports Commission or stay at home,’ Olopade declared.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by distinguished personalities including former Minister of Finance Mr. Wale Edun, Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Olympic Committee Chief Solomon Ogba, Director General of the National Institute for Sports Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, basketball legend Olumide Oyedeji, athletics icon Mary Onyali, and Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre Mallam Mainasara Ilo.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, with Team Nigeria set to compete in 10 sports, represented by 74 athletes determined to bring glory to the nation.
