Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has challenged Team Nigeria athletes to uphold the values of integrity, discipline and fair play as they prepare to represent the country at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Addressing the Nigerian contingent ahead of the Games, Dikko described the athletes as ambassadors of the nation, urging them to remember that success is measured not only by medals but also by the manner in which they conduct themselves on and off the field of play.
The NSC Chairman’s remarks come as Team Nigeria concludes an intensive high-performance training camp in Aberdeen, where athletes across several sports have been preparing for one of the biggest multi-sport events on the international calendar.
“You are ambassadors of Nigeria’s resilience, talent and determination. As you compete, uphold the highest standards of integrity, fairness and discipline because those values define true champions,” Dikko said.
The former League Management Company chairman expressed confidence in the ability of the athletes to compete successfully against some of the Commonwealth’s finest competitors, noting that the quality of preparation has placed Team Nigeria in a strong position ahead of the Games.
Dikko also reminded the athletes of the importance of respecting competition rules and representing the country with dignity throughout the tournament.
“Victory achieved with honour is always more meaningful. Compete hard, respect your opponents, respect the rules and continue to make Nigeria proud wherever you perform,” he added.
The National Sports Commission has invested heavily in Team Nigeria’s preparations, including overseas training camps, enhanced athlete welfare and improved logistical support, as part of its broader strategy to strengthen the country’s performances at major international competitions.
Team Nigeria is expected to travel from Aberdeen to Glasgow in the coming days, where athletes will compete across multiple disciplines with the aim of building on the country’s strong showing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
