Sports

Excitement Builds as Team Nigeria Enters Final Phase of Commonwealth Games Preparation

Published

3 months ago

July 14, 2026

Team Nigeria in High Spirits as Commonwealth Games Countdown Reaches Nine Days

Joel Ajayi

With just nine days to the opening of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, preparations in Team Nigeria’s camp have gathered momentum as athletes and officials intensify their final build-up for the multi-sport event.

The Nigerian contingent has now been fully constituted, while athletes have begun receiving their camping allowances as part of ongoing efforts to ensure their welfare and enable them to focus entirely on preparations ahead of the Games.

Several Nigeria-based and overseas athletes have already converged on the United Kingdom for the country’s pre-Games training camp. Among those who have arrived are United States-based sprint sensation Kayinsola Ajayi and other members of the athletics team, who have immediately settled into training.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s 3×3 basketball team, currently holding a training camp in Amsterdam, Netherlands, has stepped up its preparations by playing the first of two scheduled international friendly matches. The friendlies are designed to fine-tune the team’s tactics and match fitness before they link up with the rest of Team Nigeria in Scotland.

More athletes and officials are expected to arrive in Aberdeen over the weekend, completing the country’s delegation ahead of the official opening of the Games on July 23.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled to run from July 23 to August 2, will bring together elite athletes from across the Commonwealth for 11 days of high-level sporting competition across multiple disciplines.

Team captains and officials have expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, describing the atmosphere in camp as positive, focused, and highly motivated.

According to them, Nigerian athletes remain determined to give their best, uphold the country’s rich sporting tradition, and compete for podium finishes as they seek to make the nation proud on one of the world’s biggest multi-sport stages.

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Sports

YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display

Published

1 day ago

October 21, 2026

The Gleamer

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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