Compete With Honour, Win Clean At 2026 Commonwealth Games, Tinubus Tells Team Nigeria

 

President Bola Tinubu has charged Team Nigeria to pursue medals with integrity rather than at any cost, urging athletes representing the country at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, to compete fairly and uphold the nation’s values as they seek a record-breaking performance.

The President gave the charge through his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, during the Presidential Send-off Ceremony for the Nigerian contingent at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday, ahead of the team’s departure for Scotland.

Describing the athletes as ambassadors of Nigeria’s resilience, talent and determination, Tinubu said the country’s reputation would depend not only on the medals won but also on how they were earned.

“You have trained for this moment. You have sacrificed for this moment. Go to Glasgow with confidence, discipline, and unity. Go with patriotism and with the mindset that Nigeria can stand with the very best in the world.

“We must remember that we’re exporting our values, our moral values, our core values as a nation. I know what happened last time in Birmingham, maybe perhaps an error of judgment, and that nothing like that will happen this time around, and that experience must be a lesson for all of us,” the President said.

He urged the athletes to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship throughout the Games, stressing that lasting success is built on discipline, hard work and fair play.

“I want you to compete with courage, honour, and integrity. Win clean. Let every medal you earn reflect your commitment, your dedication, and the values that define our great nation. Winning is important, but winning clean is more important. Medals are valuable, but integrity is priceless. The glory of victory is only complete when it is achieved through discipline, fairness, hard work, and respect for the rules.

“I therefore charge every athlete here today to go to Glasgow and compete with courage, but also compete clean, compete as one united team. Let your performance be driven by talent, training, discipline and the Nigerian fighting spirit and do not allow anyone to mislead you. The world of sports today places great emphasis on integrity, and Nigeria must not be left behind,” said Tinubu.

He further said his administration had strengthened the country’s anti-doping regime to protect the credibility of Nigerian sports, citing his assent to the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act and the inauguration of the board of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Centre.

“Our administration has taken decisive steps to strengthen the anti-doping systems in the country. Last year, I assented to the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act, which provides a stronger legal and institutional framework for clean sports in Nigeria.

“Today, the board of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Centre has also been inaugurated, and this shows a clear statement of our administration’s commitment to clean sports, athlete protection, international compliance and the credibility of Nigerian sports.

“We are determined as a country to build a sports system where our athletes can succeed without suspicion, where our victories are respected, and where Nigeria is known not only for talent, but also for discipline, integrity and excellence,” he said.

The President assured the athletes of the support of the Federal Government and Nigerians throughout the competition, expressing confidence that Team Nigeria could surpass the country’s best-ever Commonwealth Games performance.

“I have every confidence that you possess the talent, determination, and character to achieve this historic feat,” the President added.

Earlier, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, thanked the President for approving the presidential send-off and commended his administration’s support for sports development.

“Since the beginning of your administration, Nigerian sports have received a level of attention, support and policy direction that is overwhelming and unprecedented.

“Through the Renewed Hope Initiative on the Nigerian sports economy, Your Excellency has given sports a new national initiative and focus to become a driver of youth development and economic growth, national unity, investment, diplomacy and global visibility,” he said.

Dikko also praised the signing of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act into law and the inauguration of the board of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Centre, describing both as clear evidence of the administration’s determination to protect athletes and Nigeria’s sporting reputation.

Also speaking, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade said improved performances at the Games would unlock greater private-sector investment in Nigerian sports.

“Your Excellency, let me inform you that if we do well, the sponsorship that we will get is going to be historical and unprecedented, and PUMA, a global sportswear company, has challenged us in this direction, and I assure you that we will do well,” he said.

Team Nigeria captain Oluwafemi Folashade pledged that the team would represent the country with honour and restore its pride.

The 72-member Nigerian contingent will compete in 10 sports at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as the country targets a record medal haul while projecting the values of discipline, fairness and excellence on the international stage.

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