By By Elizabeth Ugbo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Team Nigeria to compete with courage, honour, integrity, and discipline at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The President delivered the charge on Thursday through his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, during the Presidential Send-off Ceremony at the State House in Abuja. He encouraged the 72-member Nigerian contingent to make the nation proud by winning through fair competition while upholding the country’s values.
Tinubu Urges Athletes to Represent Nigeria with Pride
President Tinubu described the athletes as ambassadors of Nigeria’s resilience, talent, and determination. He expressed confidence that they would deliver impressive performances on the international stage.
“You have trained for this moment. You have sacrificed for this moment. Go to Glasgow with confidence, discipline, unity, and patriotism,” he said.
He reminded the athletes that they represent more than themselves.
“We are exporting our values and our moral standards as a nation. Learn from previous experiences and ensure nothing damages Nigeria’s reputation this time,” the President added.
Winning Clean Matters More Than Winning
The President stressed that success must come through honesty and discipline. He insisted that every medal should reflect hard work and respect for the rules.
“I want you to compete with courage, honour, and integrity. Win clean,” he said.
According to him, winning remains important. However, clean victories carry greater value because integrity lasts longer than medals.
He also warned athletes against any action that could tarnish Nigeria’s image.
“The world of sports places great emphasis on integrity. Nigeria must not be left behind,” he stated.
Federal Government Strengthens Anti-Doping Measures
President Tinubu highlighted his administration’s efforts to promote clean sports across the country.
He recalled signing the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act into law last year. In addition, he announced the inauguration of the board of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Centre.
According to him, these reforms strengthen athlete protection and improve Nigeria’s compliance with international sporting standards.
“We are determined to build a sports system where athletes succeed without suspicion and where Nigeria is respected for discipline, integrity, and excellence,” he said.
Team Nigeria Targets Historic Commonwealth Games Performance
The President assured Team Nigeria of the Federal Government’s full support throughout the competition.
He also challenged the athletes to surpass Nigeria’s best-ever performance at the Commonwealth Games.
“Our target is clear. We want Team Nigeria to achieve its greatest Commonwealth Games performance. I believe you have the talent, determination, and character to make history,” he said.
Furthermore, he urged them to remain focused under pressure, respect opponents, and proudly carry Nigeria’s Green-White-Green flag.
Sports Commission Commends Tinubu’s Support
National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko thanked President Tinubu for approving the Presidential Send-off Ceremony.
He praised the administration for giving sports greater attention through the Renewed Hope Initiative.
According to Dikko, government policies now position sports as a tool for youth development, economic growth, national unity, investment, diplomacy, and global visibility.
He also applauded the President for signing the Anti-Doping Act and inaugurating the board of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Centre.
NSC DG Sees Bigger Investment Opportunities
National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade said the President’s reforms have attracted growing private-sector investment in sports.
He revealed that global sportswear company PUMA has challenged Team Nigeria to perform well in Glasgow.
Olopade expressed confidence that a strong outing would attract historic sponsorship opportunities for Nigerian sports.
Team Nigeria Captain Promises Strong Performance
Team Nigeria captain Oluwafemi Ayo Folashade assured the President that the athletes would represent the country with honour.
She pledged that the team would restore Nigeria’s sporting reputation while competing fairly.
The 72-member Nigerian delegation will compete in 10 sports at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Government officials remain optimistic that Team Nigeria will return with a record medal haul while demonstrating discipline, fairness, and excellence.
