Tinubu Charges Team Nigeria to Uphold Integrity, Target Record Medal Haul at Glasgow 2026

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged members of Team Nigeria to compete with courage, discipline and integrity at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, charging them to make the nation proud through clean and fair competition.

The President gave the charge on Thursday during a presidential send-off ceremony at the State House, Abuja, where he was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Addressing the 72-member contingent, Tinubu said the athletes were not only representing Nigeria in sports but also carrying the country’s values and image before the world.

“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,” he said.

The President reminded the athletes of the controversies that trailed Nigeria’s participation at the last Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and urged them to ensure such incidents do not recur.

“We are exporting our values as a nation. What happened in Birmingham must remain a lesson. This time, let Nigeria be known for excellence, discipline and integrity,” he said.

Tinubu stressed that success achieved through honesty is more valuable than medals won through unfair means.

“Compete with courage, honour and integrity. Win clean. Winning is important, but winning clean is even more important. Medals are valuable, but integrity is priceless,” he stated.

The President said his administration has strengthened Nigeria’s anti-doping framework through the enactment of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Act and the inauguration of the board of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Centre, describing the reforms as part of efforts to restore confidence in Nigerian sports.

According to him, the government is determined to build a sporting system where Nigerian athletes excel through talent, hard work and discipline while earning global respect.

Tinubu also assured the athletes of the Federal Government’s continued support and expressed confidence in their ability to surpass Nigeria’s best-ever performance at the Commonwealth Games.

Earlier, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, thanked the President for his sustained support for sports development, saying the administration’s policies have repositioned the sector as a driver of youth empowerment, national unity and economic growth.

NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, said improved government support has begun attracting major private-sector investment into Nigerian sports, adding that strong performances in Glasgow would further boost sponsorship opportunities.

Speaking on behalf of the athletes, Team Nigeria captain Oluwafemi Ayo Folashade pledged that the contingent would compete with discipline and determination while striving to restore the country’s sporting pride.

The Nigerian contingent will participate in 10 sporting events at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with government officials expressing optimism that the team will return home with its highest-ever medal haul while maintaining the highest standards of sportsmanship.