Sports
Glasgow 2026: Tinubu Receives King’s Baton, Vows Strong Nigerian Presence
By Joel Ajayi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday, received the King’s Baton for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to participate actively in the global sporting event.
The symbolic handover took place at a brief but colourful ceremony held at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) in Abuja, with President Tinubu represented by the SGF, Senator George Akume.
The Commonwealth Games, a prestigious multi-sport event, is scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland.
The King’s Baton Relay, a cherished tradition of the Games, carries a message of goodwill from His Majesty King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth. The Baton is traveling across 72 Commonwealth nations and territories, covering over 90,000 kilometers before arriving at the opening ceremony in Glasgow.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, Senator Akume reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ideals of the Commonwealth and to supporting its athletes to perform at their best on the global stage.
“The arrival of the King’s Baton in Nigeria from June 27 to July 2 is a testament to our dedication to the Commonwealth family and the shared values it represents,” Akume said.“This relay is more than just a ceremonial event—it is a celebration of our rich cultural heritage, vibrant diversity, and boundless potential. It also reinforces our dedication to peace, understanding, and sustainable development through the unifying power of sports.”
He likened the Baton to the Olympic Torch, describing it as a symbol that ignites collective passion, unity, and renewed determination as nations prepare for the 2026 Games.
“Our athletes have consistently brought honour and glory to Nigeria since our debut at the Commonwealth Games in 1950. We remain determined to build on that legacy,” he added.
President Tinubu also commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC), praising their professionalism and efforts in maintaining Nigeria’s status as Africa’s leading sporting nation.
In his remarks, Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, announced Nigeria’s intention to bid for the 2030 Centenary Edition of the Commonwealth Games.
“Subject to Presidential approval, Nigeria intends to formally bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games,” Dikko declared.“Nigeria is ready to welcome the world and deliver a truly historic Games that will leave a lasting legacy for the continent and the global sporting community. We have the infrastructure, passion, and talent to make it a reality.”
Dikko emphasized that the King’s Baton Relay is a powerful reminder that the values of sportsmanship, inclusion, and mutual respect are not just ideals but shared commitments lived by all Commonwealth nations.
The Baton Relay began its journey on March 10, 2025, when it was officially launched by His Majesty King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. It carries not just the King’s message but the collective aspirations of humanity—symbolizing unity, friendship, and global cooperation through sport.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
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