President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria
 

 President Bola Tinubu has called on Team Nigeria to pursue a record-breaking performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and steering clear of doping.

Addressing members of the national contingent during a farewell ceremony held on Thursday at the State House in Abuja, the President encouraged the athletes to depend on their abilities, rigorous preparation and discipline rather than seek unfair advantages. He stressed that achievements earned honestly would always be more meaningful than victories tainted by banned substances.

Representing the President at the event, his Chief of Staff, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, delivered the message before an audience that included sports administrators, government officials and members of Team Nigeria.

Tinubu challenged the athletes to eclipse Nigeria's record performance of 35 medals achieved at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, urging them to establish a new milestone for the country in Glasgow.

He reminded the team that they would be competing on behalf of millions of Nigerians who would be following their performances with pride and expectation.

“Whenever our athletes wear the green and white, they carry the hopes, pride, prayers and expectations of over 200 million Nigerians,” he said.

The President underscored the importance of upholding ethical standards in sports, insisting that integrity should remain the foundation of every success.

“Winning is important, but winning clean is more important. Medals are valuable, but integrity is priceless,” he said.

He further encouraged the athletes to compete fearlessly while complying fully with anti-doping regulations.

“Go to Glasgow and compete with courage, but also compete clean. Let your performance be driven by talent, training, discipline and the Nigerian fighting spirit,” Tinubu said.

Describing the contingent as representatives of the nation beyond the sporting arena, Tinubu said they would be projecting Nigeria's resilience, excellence and values on the global stage.

“You are not only going to Glasgow as competitors; you are going as ambassadors of our country, symbols of our resilience and representatives of the Nigerian spirit.

“You are not just exporting your talent; you are exporting the values of this great country,” he added.

The President applauded the athletes, coaches, technical personnel, medical teams, administrators and officials for their commitment throughout the preparations for the Games.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Nigerian Olympic Committee and other stakeholders, noting that the planning process began early and was executed in a coordinated manner to ensure the athletes received adequate preparation.

“Preparations for these Games started early and in a more deliberate and organised manner, ensuring our athletes are properly prepared for optimal performance,” he said.

Tinubu disclosed that his administration had introduced reforms to sports financing aimed at providing sustainable funding while eliminating bureaucratic obstacles capable of affecting athletes' concentration.

“Our athletes will not be distracted by avoidable administrative issues. They will focus on one thing only — representing Nigeria with honour and giving their very best,” he said.

He also highlighted measures being implemented to strengthen Nigeria's anti-doping system through legislative and institutional reforms.

“We are determined to build a sports system where our athletes can succeed without suspicion and where Nigeria is known for discipline, integrity and excellence,” he said.

Expressing optimism about the team's prospects, the President said he believed the athletes possessed the ability to surpass previous Commonwealth Games achievements and inspire future generations.

“Our target is clear. We want Team Nigeria to surpass its best-ever Commonwealth Games performance and return with more medals, more honour and more inspiring stories,” he said.

Earlier, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mr. Shehu Dikko, assured the President that the athletes were adequately prepared following an intensive closed-camping programme designed to sharpen their competitiveness ahead of the Games. He expressed confidence that the contingent would improve on Nigeria's previous record.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the NSC, Mr. Bukola Olopade, said the commission was expanding collaboration with private-sector partners to enhance sports funding and promote greater professionalism within the industry.

According to him, the initiative supports the Tinubu administration's long-term agenda for the development of sports in Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the athletes, Team Nigeria captain, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, appreciated the President for his encouragement and pledged that the contingent would reward the confidence placed in them by competing with discipline, winning medals and representing Nigeria with distinction.

Nigeria will be represented by 74 athletes competing in 10 sports at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2.

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