When Team Nigeria left the country for the Commonwealth Games, the mandate was clear: “Fight for every second, every metre, every medal” and surpass Nigeria’s record-breaking outing of four years ago in Birmingham.

In the country’s first participation at the Commonwealth Games – Auckland in 1950, it won just a single silver medal. But at the 2026 edition, Nigeria has set an ambitious target of 20 gold medals as 72 athletes prepare to compete alongside thousands from across the Commonwealth.

The athletes will hunt for glory and honours in 10 sports, including athletics, 3×3 basketball, judo, boxing, track cycling, weightlifting, swimming, para-powerlifting, 3×3 wheelchair basketball, and para-athletics for the competition running from July 23 to August 2, 2026.

A Lineup Of Stars, Record Holders

Leading the charge in this 72-person roster is a mix of in-form athletes and world-record holders. The country will begin its campaign in para-powerlifting, where Nigeria has always excelled, with the sport delivering medals for the West African nation.

Reigning Commonwealth champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo will be expected to defend her title in Scotland.

Rita Ferdinand is also on hand and comes in fine form after equalling the women’s world record at the African Open Championships in Algeria with a lift of 154 kilogrammes.

Nigeria’s hopes of medals on the track rest squarely on world record holder Tobi Amusan and sprint star Kanyinsola Ajayi. The latter is one of the biggest stars in world athletics this season.

For field events, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi carries Nigeria’s hope for a medal. He holds Africa’s record with a throw of 22.10m.

Patricia Mbata, having switched allegiance to Nigeria, will be making her debut in the Commonwealth Games. She defeated national champion Blessing Orakwe at the selection trials.

Although Ruth Usoro has replaced long jump queen Ese Brume, her absence in Glasgow is considered a major blow for Team Nigeria. Prestina Ochonogor is also set to compete in the women’s long jump.

Improved Incentives

Ahead of the Commonwealth Games, Team Nigeria spent weeks fine-tuning their plans at the Aberdeen Sports Village in Scotland.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Shehu Dikko, and the Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, are leading Nigeria’s charge for honours in Glasgow and have been mandated to deliver the target.

Both leaders are on the ground in Glasgow to ensure smooth preparations for the athletes and also steer administrative duties.

Dikko is leading Nigeria’s engagements at the Commonwealth Games Federation and ministerial meetings. He will represent the country’s interests at the highest policy and administrative levels and provide strategic leadership for Team Nigeria.

Olopade will work as Nigeria’s Chef de Mission, overseeing the day-to-day management of the Nigerian delegation, including the welfare and wellbeing of athletes and officials.

Their mandate comes from President Bola Tinubu, who gave the directive at the send-off ceremony for Team Nigeria in Abuja.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the President told the contingent that he expects a brilliant performance that outclasses Nigeria’s performance at the last Games, which was the country’s best in the competition.

He urged the athletes to compete with courage and determination, assuring them of the Federal Government’s full support.

Matching the promise with action, the NSC introduced an improved welfare package for the Games. These included an increment in camping allowance, improvement in travel support, and better performance bonuses.

Gold medallists will get up to $8,000 in combined rewards. Each athlete and official was also given a ₦500,000 travel allowance, among other incentives.

‘Go for Glory’

With preparations completed and athletes already in Scotland, Olopade’s message to the team re-echoed Tinubu’s directive.

“You have trained, sacrificed, and earned your place on this stage. Now is the time to compete with confidence, determination, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit,” he wrote in a charge on his official X handle.

“To every athlete wearing the Green and White: remember, you are carrying the dreams and pride of millions of Nigerians. Fight for every second, every meter, every medal.”

The NSC DG told the athletes to “let your performances do the talking” and “show the world the resilience, talent, and excellence that define Team Nigeria.”

“The whole country is behind you. We believe in you. We are rooting for you. Go for glory. Go make Nigeria proud!” he said. (Channels TV)

•Making its 20th Commonwealth Games appearance, Team Nigeria arrives in Glasgow set on building a legacy that began at Auckland 1950.

Update news