The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has described Team Nigeria’s outstanding performances at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games as a powerful affirmation that sustained investment in athletes, effective sports administration, and grassroots development are repositioning Nigeria by as a dominant force in international sports.
Hon. Adeboye made the remarks after watching Team Nigeria qualify for the Mixed 4x400m Relay final at the Scotstoun Stadium alongside the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Hon. Philip Shaibu, and Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Vice President, Chief Solomon Ogba.
The Presidential aide watched as the Nigerian quartet delivered a commanding performance to win Heat One in a time of 3:14.58—the fastest time recorded across both qualifying heats—to book a place in the final and reinforce Nigeria’s status as one of the favourites for gold.
Hon. Adeboye described the atmosphere inside the stadium as electric, noting that Team Nigeria competed with confidence, composure and the unmistakable determination that has characterised the country’s campaign in Glasgow.
“Champions are built long before they stand on the podium. What we are seeing in Glasgow is the harvest of strategic investment in Nigerian sports. Our athletes are demonstrating that when talent is supported with proper preparation, quality leadership and unwavering belief, they can compete with—and defeat—the very best in the Commonwealth.”
The SSA commended the relay team’s exceptional display, noting that finishing as the fastest qualifiers sends a strong message ahead of the final.
He said the athletes have continued to inspire Nigerians through performances that reflect discipline, teamwork and the never-say-die spirit for which the country is renowned.
Beyond the relay event, Hon. Adeboye celebrated Team Nigeria’s remarkable achievements across athletics and field events.
He also applauded Samuel Ogazi, Edidiong Okon Udo, Ella Onojuvwevwo, and Udodi Onwuzurike for reaching their respective finals, while congratulating Chukwuebuka Enekwechi on winning Nigeria’s eighth gold medal in the men’s shot put.
According to the Presidential aide, the consistency of Team Nigeria’s performances is evidence that the country is witnessing the emergence of a new generation of world-class athletes.
“Every race won, every final reached, and every medal secured tells a bigger story. It tells the story of a nation that is rebuilding its sporting ecosystem, discovering young talents, rewarding excellence and creating an environment where athletes can truly maximise their potential.”
Hon. Adeboye praised the leadership of the National Sports Commission for its athlete-centred reforms, describing the collaborative efforts of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade as instrumental in creating a renewed culture of excellence within Nigerian sports.
He further noted that the presence of key sports administrators at the stadium reflected a shared commitment to standing with the athletes and providing the leadership needed for sustained international success.
The SSA reiterated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remains committed to strengthening sports as a strategic platform for youth empowerment, national unity and economic development through the Renewed Hope Agenda, with grassroots sports development serving as the foundation for future international success.
“The performances we are witnessing in Glasgow reaffirm our belief that the next generation of champions is already emerging from our schools, communities and local competitions. Our responsibility is to continue investing in grassroots sports, creating opportunities and ensuring that every talented Nigerian child has a pathway to represent our nation on the world stage.”
Hon. Adeboye expressed confidence that Team Nigeria would carry its impressive momentum into the remaining events of the Commonwealth Games and urged Nigerians at home and across the diaspora to continue supporting the athletes as they strive to bring more glory to the nation
