Sports
Judo Federation Pledges Strong Medal Drive as Dr. Oshodi Endorses NSC Roadmap for Glasgow 2026
The Judo Federation of Nigeria has declared full alignment with the National Sports Commission’s performance-driven roadmap for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, vowing to contribute meaningfully to Team Nigeria’s medal target in Glasgow.
The pledge was made by the President of the Judo Federation of Nigeria, Dr. Musa Oshodi, following a strategic engagement with the NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, in Abuja. The meeting brought together federation executives to finalize preparations ahead of the Games scheduled for July 22 – August 2, 2026.
Dr. Oshodi said the federation is ready to match the Commission’s urgency, beginning with the nationwide local camp slated to start on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, and the subsequent overseas camp in Aberdeen, Scotland.
“We are fully aligned with the NSC mandate. Glasgow 2026 is not about participation for us, it is about podium finishes,” Dr. Oshodi stated. “The Director General has set the tone – athlete welfare first, discipline always, and results at the end. Judo will not be left behind in this new era of Nigerian sports.”
He noted that the federation has already reviewed past Commonwealth Games performances, identified technical and logistical gaps, and put structures in place to close them early.
“The days of last-minute camping and excuses are over. Our athletes will be in camp early, medically screened, technically refined, and mentally prepared. Aberdeen offers us the right environment to sharpen for Glasgow,” he added.
Dr. Oshodi commended the NSC for prioritizing athlete welfare and logistics, describing it as a shift that will give judokas the competitive edge needed on the world stage.
“When the athlete is well taken care of, performance takes care of itself. The NSC is giving us that foundation, and we as a federation must build on it with accountability and professionalism,” he said.
Nigeria’s judo team has been a consistent medal source at the Commonwealth Games, and Dr. Oshodi expressed confidence that the 2026 edition would surpass previous records.
“Nigerian judo is ready. We have talent, we have a plan, and now we have the backing of the Commission. Our message to Nigerians is simple: expect discipline, expect fight, and expect medals from Glasgow,” he concluded.
The National Sports Commission has confirmed that Team Nigeria’s overseas camp will hold in Aberdeen due to its world-class facilities, climate similarity to Glasgow, and proximity to the Games Village. Over 70 nations and territories are expected to compete across 20+ sports at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
As the countdown begins, the Judo Federation says it is positioning its athletes not just to compete, but to contend.
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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