President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged Team Nigeria to chase glory with integrity at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, urging the country’s athletes to win medals through discipline, hard work and fair competition.
Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, during the Presidential Send-off Ceremony at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu told the athletes they were carrying not just Nigeria’s hopes but also its values onto the global stage.
He described the contingent as worthy ambassadors of the nation’s resilience, talent and determination, expressing confidence that they would deliver outstanding performances in Scotland.
“You have trained for this moment. You have sacrificed for this moment. Go to Glasgow with confidence, discipline and unity. Go with patriotism and the mindset that Nigeria can stand with the very best in the world,” the President said.
Tinubu, however, warned the athletes against actions that could tarnish the country’s image, stressing that the lessons from previous international competitions must not be forgotten.
“We’re exporting our values, our moral values and our core values as a nation. What happened in Birmingham must remain a lesson for all of us,” he said.
The President emphasized that success means little without integrity, urging the athletes to compete honorably and reject every form of doping or unfair advantage.
“I want you to compete with courage, honor and integrity. Win clean. Let every medal reflect your commitment, 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,” he said.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to clean sports, Tinubu highlighted recent reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s anti-doping framework, including signing the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act into law and inaugurating the board of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Centre.
According to him, the reforms are designed to protect athletes, ensure international compliance and safeguard the credibility of Nigerian sports.
“We are determined to build a sports system where our athletes can succeed without suspicion, where our victories are respected and where Nigeria is known not only for talent, but also for discipline, integrity and excellence,” he added.
The President challenged Team Nigeria to surpass the country’s best-ever Commonwealth Games performance, assuring the athletes of the Federal Government’s full support.
“Our target is clear. We want Team Nigeria to surpass its best-ever Commonwealth Games performance. I have every confidence that you possess the talent, determination and character to achieve this historic feat,” he said.
Earlier, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, commended Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented support for sports since assuming office.
He said the administration’s Renewed Hope Initiative had repositioned sports as a tool for youth empowerment, economic growth, national unity and global visibility.
Dikko also praised the President for signing the Anti-Doping Act into law and inaugurating the board of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Centre, describing the moves as a major boost to Nigeria’s sporting reputation.
National Sports Commission Director-General, Bukola Olopade, said Tinubu’s reforms had begun attracting significant private-sector investment into sports.
He disclosed that global sportswear giant PUMA had challenged Team Nigeria to excel at the Games, noting that strong performances could unlock historic sponsorship opportunities for Nigerian sports.
On behalf of the athletes, Team Nigeria captain Oluwafemi Ayo Folashade pledged that the contingent would compete with honour and restore the country’s pride.
The 72-member Nigerian contingent will compete in 10 sports at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as Nigeria targets a record medal haul while projecting discipline, excellence and fair play on the international stage.
