Tayo Ogunseye
Team Nigeria remains firmly on track to achieve its medal targets at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow despite the fierce competition, according to the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Team Nigeria’s Chef de Mission, Hon. Bukola Olopade.
Olopade expressed optimism after Nigeria secured another medal on Sunday through weightlifter Ruth Asuquo Nyong, who claimed silver in the women’s 48kg event with a total lift of 168kg.
She recorded 75kg in the snatch and 93kg in the clean and jerk to finish on the podium, adding to the country’s growing medal tally.
Speaking after the event, the NSC Director General said Nyong’s performance exceeded expectations and reinforced confidence in the projections made by the Commission’s Elite Board.
“If the projections of the Elite Board are anything to go by, we’re still on track. Even for Ruth, the expectation was a bronze medal and she won a silver. It’s an upward progression rather than downward,” Olopade said.
He also predicted a major medal surge when Team Nigeria’s athletics contingent begins competition, expressing confidence that the track and field athletes would significantly boost the country’s standings.
“I was with the athletics team last night and we’re hoping that seven to eight gold medals can come from there,” he added.
Olopade praised the commitment, discipline and resilience displayed by Nigerian athletes, coaches and officials throughout the Games, noting that the country’s sporting ecosystem is beginning to regain a clear identity.
“I am very proud of the young men and women and officials I have had the opportunity to work with over the past one and a half years. Many people are saying they can see an identity in our sports again after a long time, and that on its own is a gold medal,” he said.
The Team Nigeria Chef de Mission further reiterated that athlete welfare remains a central pillar of the National Sports Commission’s reforms under the leadership of its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko.
According to him, the Commission is committed to ensuring athletes receive the recognition and support they deserve for their sacrifices and dedication.
“Athletes work hard every day and deserve to feel acknowledged and respected. Yes, it’s about patriotism, but it’s also about reward and looking after one another. We trust they will continue to make Nigeria proud,” Olopade concluded.
With athletics events set to commence, Team Nigeria will be looking to build on its encouraging start and continue its pursuit of a strong finish on the Commonwealth Games medal table.
