…Commends Athletes, Coaches, Officials For Their Dedication And Professionalism

By Joel Ajayi

Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has expressed confidence that Team Nigeria remains on course to achieve its ambitious target of winning 20 gold medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Speaking after another encouraging day of competition on Sunday from Glasgow, Olopade said the country’s medal projections remain on track despite some events not producing the expected results.

According to him, the NSC’s performance projections had anticipated a bronze medal in one of the day’s events, stressing that the overall medal outlook remains positive.

“If the projections of our technical team are anything to go by, we are still on track to achieve our target. Some events have gone according to expectations, while others have presented opportunities for improvement. Overall, we remain optimistic,” Olopade said.

The NSC boss also commended Team Nigeria’s athletes, coaches and officials for their dedication and professionalism, noting that the country’s sporting identity has continued to gain recognition under the current administration.

“I am very proud of our young men and women, as well as the officials I have had the privilege of working with over the last one and a half years. It is clear that Nigerians are beginning to see a new direction in our sports.”

“It is encouraging that even critics are acknowledging that, for the first time in a long while, Nigerian sports have developed a clear identity. That is something we are proud of, and we will continue to build on it,” he added.

Olopade reiterated that athlete welfare remains the Commission’s top priority, insisting that providing adequate support and motivation is essential to achieving success on the international stage.

“When we said athlete welfare would be our number one priority, it was based on experience. During my time as a Commissioner for Sports, I saw how taking care of athletes transformed performance. Within a few years, our state moved from 19th position to second because the athletes felt valued and motivated.”

He stressed that athletes deserve respect and recognition for the sacrifices they make in representing the country.

“Our athletes train tirelessly and sacrifice so much. It is always demoralising when they do not feel appreciated or respected. Yes, representing Nigeria is about patriotism, but it is also about rewarding excellence and looking after those who wear the nation’s colours with pride.”

Olopade assured Team Nigeria’s athletes that the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission have fulfilled their responsibilities by ensuring improved welfare and support throughout the Games.

“We have done our part. We have looked after our athletes beyond what they may have expected. Nigeria has invested in them, and now the country expects them to give their very best and make the nation proud.”

With several medal events still to come, Team Nigeria remains hopeful of meeting its ambitious 20-gold target as competition continues in Glasgow.

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us

Share

Share

Share

Share

Share