The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has expressed confidence that Team Nigeria remains on course to meet its medal target at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, saying the country’s athletes have exceeded expectations in the early stages of the competition. Speaking in a……
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has expressed confidence that Team Nigeria remains on course to meet its medal target at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, saying the country’s athletes have exceeded expectations in the early stages of the competition.
Speaking in a video circulating on X on Sunday, Olopade said Team Nigeria’s performance so far aligns with the projections of the elite performance board, noting that weightlifter Ruth Asuquo Nyong surpassed expectations by winning a silver medal instead of the projected bronze.
“So far so good. If the projections of the elite board are anything to go by, I think we’re still on track because today’s medal expectation from Ruth was a bronze and she won a silver, so it’s an upward projection, a progression rather than downward,” he said.
Olopade disclosed that he had met with Nigeria’s athletics team in Glasgow and expressed optimism that the country’s track and field athletes would further boost the medal haul.
“I was with the athletics team last night. Spirit is extremely high. We are hoping that seven to eight good medals can come from there,” he said.
The NSC boss also praised the athletes, coaches and officials for their commitment over the past 18 months, saying their efforts have helped restore confidence in Nigerian sports.
“But beyond all of this, I’m very proud of the young men and women and the officials that I’ve had the opportunity to work with in the last one and a half years. It is so obvious that as Nigerians, we have the wherewithal to stand firm and to be counted,” Olopade stated.
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He added that the renewed identity and direction of Nigerian sports had become evident, even to critics.
“I’m happy to hear that so many, even critics, so many people are saying for the first time they see an identity after a long time in our sports and for me that’s good enough. That on its own is a good medal, so we must add it to the good medals,” he said.
Olopade reaffirmed that athlete welfare remains a top priority for the National Sports Commission, explaining that the policy was informed by his experience as Commissioner for Sports in Ogun State.
“When we said athlete welfare was number one, it was because my manager and I knew where we’re coming from. As a commissioner for sports in Ogun State, that was what I was known for, and I saw how that motivated Ogun State athletes to move from 19th position to second position in just four or five years,” he said.
He stressed that athletes perform better when they feel respected, valued and adequately supported.
“What really happens is that day in day out, athletes go out to sweat. They work very hard. It is always very demoralizing when they don’t have the vibe or they don’t feel that they are respected or that they are acknowledged for their efforts.
“Yes, it is about patriotism, but it is also about rewards. It’s also about looking after one another.”
Olopade said the Commission had fulfilled its responsibility by providing the athletes with the support they needed and urged them to repay Nigerians with outstanding performances.
“We have done our bit. We have looked after you beyond your comprehension. Nigeria has looked after you. Nigeria has happened to you. Nigeria is expecting you to do your best to make them proud,” he said.
