By Ado Salisu
The National Sports Commission (NSC) says Team Nigeria remains on course to meet its medal target at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow following another podium finish on Sunday.
Nigeria added to its medal haul after Ruth Asuquo Nyong claimeda silver medal in the women’s 48kg weightlifting event with a combined lift of 168kg, comprising 75kg in the snatch and 93kg in the clean and jerk.
Reacting to the performance, the Director General of the NSC and Team Nigeria’s Chef de Mission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said the result showed the country’s medal projections remained on track.
“If the projections of the Elite Board are anything to go by, we’re still on track. Even for Ruth, the expectation was a bronze medal and she won a silver. It’s an upward progression rather than downward,” Olopade said.
He expressed optimism that the athletics team would significantly boost Nigeria’s medal tally.
“I was with the athletics team last night and we’re hoping that seven to eight gold medals can come from there,” he added.
Olopade also commended the athletes, coaches and officials for their resilience and commitment, saying Nigerian sports was regaining its identity.
“I am very proud of the young men and women and officials I have had the opportunity to work with over the past one and a half years. Many people are saying they can see an identity in our sports again after a long time, and that on its own is a gold medal,” he said.
He reaffirmed that athlete welfare remains a key priority of the Commission under the leadership of its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko.
“Athletes work hard every day and deserve to feel acknowledged and respected. Yes, it’s about patriotism, but it’s also about reward and looking after one another. We trust they will continue to make Nigeria proud,” Olopade said.
