President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged Nigerian athletes heading to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, to compete with courage, discipline, patriotism and integrity, urging them to make the nation proud through fair competition.
The President gave the charge on Thursday during a Presidential Send-off Ceremony held at the State House, Abuja, ahead of Team Nigeria’s departure for the Games. He was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila.
Describing the athletes as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria’s resilience, talent and determination, Tinubu expressed confidence in their ability to excel on the global stage and surpass the country’s best-ever performance at the Commonwealth Games.
“You have trained for this moment. You have sacrificed for this moment. Go to Glasgow with confidence, discipline and unity. Go with patriotism and with the mindset that Nigeria can stand with the very best in the world,” the President said.
He reminded the athletes that they would be representing not only themselves but also the nation’s values, urging them to avoid actions that could tarnish Nigeria’s image.
“I want you to compete with courage, honour and integrity. Win clean. Let every medal you earn reflect your commitment, your dedication and the values that define our great nation. Winning is important, but winning clean is more important. Medals are valuable, but integrity is priceless,” Tinubu stated.
The President noted that his administration had taken deliberate steps to strengthen integrity in sports, including signing the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act into law and inaugurating the board of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Centre to ensure compliance with international standards and protect the credibility of Nigerian sports.
According to him, the reforms are aimed at building a sports system where athletes can achieve success through talent, hard work and discipline rather than suspicion.
Tinubu assured Team Nigeria of the Federal Government’s unwavering support and the prayers of Nigerians throughout the competition, expressing optimism that the contingent would return with a historic medal haul.
Team Nigeria was led to the Presidential Villa by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, alongside the Commission’s Director-General, Bukola Olopade, the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Mr. Philip Shaibu, and other sports officials.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dikko commended President Tinubu for giving unprecedented attention to sports development through the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing the administration’s support as transformative.
He also praised the President for signing the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act into law, saying it demonstrated the government’s determination to protect athletes and preserve the country’s reputation in international competitions.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, said the administration’s sports reforms had begun attracting significant private-sector investment.
According to him, global sportswear company PUMA has challenged Team Nigeria to excel in Glasgow, expressing confidence that outstanding performances would unlock historic sponsorship opportunities for Nigerian sports.
In her goodwill message, Team Nigeria captain Oluwafemi Ayo Folashade assured Nigerians that the athletes were prepared to compete with discipline and determination while restoring the country’s honour on the international stage.
The 72-member Nigerian contingent will compete in 10 sports at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as the country seeks to record its best-ever performance at the multi-sport event.
