Commission’s technical team had projected a bronze medal in one of the day’s events
By Frank Ulom
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Published on July 26, 2026
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3 min read
Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has expressed confidence that Team Nigeria remains on course to achieve its target of winning 20 gold medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Speaking after Sunday’s events in Glasgow, Olopade said Nigeria’s medal projections remain encouraging despite some competitions not producing the expected outcomes.
According to him, the Commission’s technical team had projected a bronze medal in one of the day’s events, adding that the country’s overall medal prospects remain firmly on track.
“If the projections of our technical team are anything to go by, we are still on track to achieve our target. Some events have gone according to expectations, while others have presented opportunities for improvement. Overall, we remain optimistic,” Olopade said.
The NSC Director General commended Team Nigeria’s athletes, coaches and officials for their commitment, discipline and professionalism throughout the competition.
He said the country’s sporting sector has begun to develop a renewed identity under the current administration, a development he believes is being recognised by Nigerians.
“I am very proud of our young men and women, as well as the officials I have had the privilege of working with over the last one and a half years. It is clear that Nigerians are beginning to see a new direction in our sports,” he said.
“It is encouraging that even critics are acknowledging that, for the first time in a long while, Nigerian sports have developed a clear identity. That is something we are proud of, and we will continue to build on it.”
Olopade reiterated that athlete welfare remains the National Sports Commission’s foremost priority, describing it as a key factor in improving performance at international competitions.
He explained that his conviction was based on his experience as a former Commissioner for Sports, where enhanced welfare for athletes translated into improved competitive results.
“When we said athlete welfare would be our number one priority, it was based on experience. During my time as a Commissioner for Sports, I saw how taking care of athletes transformed performance. Within a few years, our state moved from 19th position to second because the athletes felt valued and motivated,” he said.
The NSC boss stressed that Nigerian athletes deserve adequate recognition and support for the sacrifices they make while representing the country on the global stage.
“Our athletes train tirelessly and sacrifice so much. It is always demoralising when they do not feel appreciated or respected. Yes, representing Nigeria is about patriotism, but it is also about rewarding excellence and looking after those who wear the nation’s colours with pride.”
Olopade assured members of Team Nigeria that the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission had fulfilled their responsibilities by providing improved welfare packages and support throughout the Games.
“We have done our part. We have looked after our athletes beyond what they may have expected. Nigeria has invested in them, and now the country expects them to give their very best and make the nation proud,” he added.
With several medal events still to be decided, Team Nigeria remains optimistic about achieving its ambitious target of 20 gold medals as competition continues at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
