Onikeku Backs Team Nigeria For Athletics Glory At Commonwealth Games

By Ohis Asein

Director of Sports of the Nigeria Customs Service and Board Member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Mr. Samuel Onikeku, has expressed confidence in Team Nigeria’s athletics contingent ahead of the start of track and field events at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Monday, July 27.

Speaking exclusively to FAKS MEDIA on Saturday, Onikeku said the quality of athletes representing Nigeria, coupled with the unprecedented support and motivation from the National Sports Commission (NSC), has positioned the country for an impressive outing.

According to him, the leadership of the NSC, under Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, has created the right atmosphere for the athletes to excel on the international stage.

“I believe these athletes will surprise the world. The level of support and motivation they have received has been exceptional, and that gives them the confidence to perform at their best,” Onikeku said.

He highlighted Nigeria’s strength in the sprints, noting that having four sub-10-second men’s 100m sprinters is a major advantage at a championship of this magnitude.

“As a country, when you have four sub-10-second sprinters going into a competition like this, the 4X100m men’s team should break the national record now with the 4 sub 10” he added.

The athletics administrator also praised the depth of talent in the Nigerian team, mentioning world record holder Tobi Amusan, rising sprint sensation Favour Ashe, 400m star Samuel Ogazi, and experienced sprinter Rosemary Chukwuma among the athletes capable of winning medals.

“We have Tobi Amusan, who is a world record holder, Samuel Ogazi, who is one of the best in the world right now, Favour Ashe is back again, Rosemary Chukwuma, and many other outstanding athletes. I can go on and on.
The athletes selected for the Commonwealth Games are the very best Nigeria has at the moment, and I am confident they will make the nation proud.”

Team Nigeria will begin its athletics campaign on Monday as medal events get underway at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games