Tayo Ogunseye
Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development and Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, has applauded Team Nigeria for its outstanding campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, describing the performance as a clear reflection of the country’s growing progress in sports development.
Dare, in a statement on Tuesday, said the impressive outing by the Nigerian contingent underscores the effectiveness of long-term planning and continuity in sports administration. He expressed delight that the National Sports Commission (NSC) has continued to strengthen the reforms and structures initiated during his tenure as Sports Minister between 2019 and 2023.
He congratulated the athletes, coaches and officials for their achievements, noting that the results recorded in Glasgow affirm that Nigeria’s sports development agenda remains on the right course. According to him, the team’s success is evidence that sustained investment and institutional stability are beginning to yield meaningful dividends.
The former minister also celebrated Team Nigeria’s retention of its position as Africa’s top-performing nation at the Commonwealth Games, recalling that the country reclaimed the status at the Birmingham 2022 Games after decades away from the summit.
Dare described the feat as a significant milestone, saying it reflects the steady upward trajectory of Nigerian sports. He maintained that preserving such consistency is critical to the country’s ambition of becoming a dominant force in international competitions.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising sports development through the Renewed Hope agenda, praising the administration’s commitment to improved funding, stronger institutional support and youth empowerment. According to Dare, the President’s backing has renewed the confidence of Nigerian athletes and strengthened their ability to compete successfully on the global stage.
The presidential aide further hailed the leadership of the National Sports Commission, particularly Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, for sustaining the momentum in the sector. He said their commitment to building on existing foundations has ensured continued progress and positioned Nigerian sports for even greater accomplishments.
Looking ahead, Dare expressed confidence that the country’s sporting future remains bright. He stressed that with sustained government support, sound administration and continued investment in young talents, Nigeria would continue to produce world-class athletes and achieve greater success on both the continental and international stage.
