Sports
Didih Throws Support Behind Team Nigeria’s Medal Quest Ahead of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
Joel Ajayi
With just seven days until the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, Team Nigeria’s preparations have entered the final stretch, with Commonwealth weightlifting champion and African record holder Onome Omolola Didih expressing confidence in the team’s readiness to deliver medals for the country.
One of Nigeria’s leading medal hopefuls in weightlifting, Didih said the athletes have received exceptional support from the National Sports Commission (NSC), crediting the conducive camping environments in Nigeria and Aberdeen, Scotland, for putting the team in the best possible condition ahead of the Games.
“I am living my dreams representing Nigeria, and I am grateful for the opportunity. The National Sports Commission has helped us prepare adequately, while the Weightlifting Federation has continued to encourage and support us throughout this journey,” Didih said.
“Our camping, both in Nigeria and here in Aberdeen, has been top-notch. The environment has been serene and has allowed us to remain focused on our training. The training facilities have everything we need, and we are grateful to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their support.”
Didih heads to Glasgow in outstanding form. She finished fourth at the 2024 World Weightlifting Championships before dominating the 53kg event at the 2025 African Weightlifting Championships in Mauritius, where she lifted 92kg in the snatch and 111kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 203kg to win all three gold medals and emerge as Africa’s No. 1-ranked lifter in her weight class.
She successfully defended her continental dominance at the 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championships in Egypt, winning another three gold medals in the 53kg category.
Didih lifted 87kg in the snatch and 105kg in the clean and jerk for a combined total of 192kg, comfortably finishing ahead of Egypt and South Africa to complete another clean sweep of the gold medals.
Last summer, she also claimed gold in the women’s 53kg event at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad, India, further cementing her status as one of Africa’s finest weightlifters and Nigeria’s brightest medal prospects heading into Glasgow 2026.
Didih beseeched Nigeria to rally behind the team as they fly the nation’s flag at the Games.
“We urge Nigerians to keep praying for us and cheering us on as we compete for the country. We will do all we can to make them proud and with their support, nothing is impossible.”
Team Nigeria continues its final phase of preparations in Aberdeen ahead of the Opening Ceremony on July 23, with the nation’s athletes determined to uphold Nigeria’s proud tradition of excellence at the Commonwealth Games.
Sports
YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display
Joel Ajayi
Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.
Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.
The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.
Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.
The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.
The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.
The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.
Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.
Final Score
Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)
The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)
Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.
Key Performers
Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls
Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls
Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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