Sports
Para-Powerlifting Icon Folashade Oluwafemiayo Inspires Team Nigeria Ahead of Commonwealth Games
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria’s para powerlifting icon and world record holder, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, has called on Nigerians to continue praying for Team Nigeria as the country’s athletes prepare to compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The multiple-time world champion speaking from Team Nigeria’s training camp, in Aberdeen Scotland on Sunday described representing Nigeria on the global stage as a rare privilege, promising that the athletes would do everything possible to make the nation proud.
Oluwafemiayo said wearing the country’s colours is an honour that comes with great responsibility.
“It means a lot to be one of the athletes representing Nigeria. It is a privilege because many people aspire to be here, but only a few are selected. I consider myself fortunate to be among those chosen to compete for my country,” she said.
The reigning world record holder appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting the team spiritually and morally, stressing that success cannot be achieved without the backing of the people.
“I want Nigerians to keep praying for us because we cannot do this alone. We need your prayers and your support, and by God’s grace we are going to make the Nigerian flag fly high at the Commonwealth Games,” she added.
Oluwafemiayo also expressed gratitude to the leadership of the National Sports Commission for providing the athletes with a conducive preparation camp ahead of the Games.
She commended the Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for prioritising the welfare and preparation of Team Nigeria.
“I want to say a big thank you to the Chairman and the Director-General for their efforts. I think this is the first time we have had this kind of preparation camp before the Commonwealth Games. They have worked hard to ensure we are well prepared, and we sincerely appreciate them.
“They have shown good leadership and have always stood by us. On behalf of all the athletes, I want to thank them for all they have done for us from the beginning.”
The celebrated para powerlifting champion assured Nigerians that the athletes remain fully committed to delivering podium finishes and making the country proud at the Games.
“I want to assure Nigerians that we will make you proud. We are determined to give our very best and justify the confidence reposed in us,” she said.
Oluwafemiayo’s message comes as Team Nigeria intensifies preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with athletes across various sports expressing confidence that the training camp and improved support system will translate into outstanding performances on the international stage.
Sports
NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu
Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and remarkable capacity to excel on the global stage, particularly through sports.
Hon. Olopade said Nigeria at 66 is an occasion every Nigerian should be proud of, noting that despite the challenges encountered over the years, the country has continued to make significant progress and produce achievements capable of inspiring generations.
The DG said the sports sector has particular reasons to celebrate, pointing to a series of performances and milestones by Nigerian athletes and teams across the global sporting landscape.
“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our people, the strength of our unity and our belief in the promise of our great country, especially through sports.
“As we raise our flag with pride, may we remain committed to building a nation where every Nigerian has the opportunity to dream, thrive and succeed.”
Hon. Olopade said the progress being witnessed in Nigerian sports aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Development (RHINSE), which he said is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for athletes, while positioning sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and global recognition.
He pointed to Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the latest examples of the country’s sporting potential. Team Nigeria returned from Glasgow with 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, finishing seventh overall and as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. The campaign also produced three world records and a number of historic milestones across para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, para athletics and judo.
Among the standout performances was that of Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who won gold in para powerlifting and twice broke the world record during the competition, ultimately lifting 175kg. Goodness Nwachukwu also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s para discus and set a new world record, while Nigeria recorded historic Commonwealth gold medals through Samuel Ogazi in the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put.
“Today, Nigeria is a global force in para-sports, and athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Goodness Nwachukwu continue to demonstrate the extraordinary talent and determination that exist within our country,” Hon. Olopade said.
He also celebrated the continued dominance of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, which in 2025 became the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final in Abidjan in the last edition. The achievement extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pathway.
On the global athletics scene, Hon. Olopade highlighted the continued excellence of Tobi Amusan and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sprinters. Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September 2026, clocking 12.34 seconds in the final, while Kayinsola Ajayi added another significant milestone by winning Commonwealth bronze in the men’s 100m and helping Nigeria to bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay in Glasgow.
Nigeria’s football heritage, Hon. Olopade noted, remains another major source of national pride. The country holds the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, with five championships won by the Golden Eaglets in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.
He also pointed to the country’s growing influence in emerging sports, including flag football. Nigeria made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship in Cairo in 2025, earning qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.
“These achievements across athletics, para-sports, basketball, football, weightlifting, flag football and other sports remind us that Nigeria possesses immense sporting talent,” the DG said.
“From our champions who continue to break world records to our young athletes who are announcing themselves on the international stage, the Nigerian flag continues to fly with pride around the world. This is why the development of sports must remain a national priority. Our responsibility is not only to celebrate champions after they emerge, but to build the systems, facilities, competitions and opportunities that allow more young Nigerians to become champions.”
“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we celebrate Nigeria’s past, but we must also look confidently toward the future. Our athletes have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation and support. The task before us is to ensure that more Nigerians have that opportunity,” the DG added.
“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary. May our great nation continue to grow in strength, unity, prosperity and sporting excellence,” Hon. Olopade concluded.
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