The 2026 Commonwealth Games begin today in Glasgow, Scotland, with the opening ceremony. Team Nigeria will start its medal campaign on Friday, July 24, when the country’s para powerlifting athletes compete.
Nigeria’s biggest medal hope is team captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo. She is the defending Commonwealth Games champion, a two time Paralympic gold medallist, a four time world champion, and the current world record holder in the women’s heavyweight class. She recently defended her Paralympic title in Paris and will be aiming to win another Commonwealth gold.
Another strong contender is Rita Ferdinand, the reigning world champion. She heads into the Games after lifting 154kg at the African Open Championships in Algeria, matching the women’s world record and setting a new African record in the up to 79kg category.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) says it has introduced better welfare and reward packages for athletes and officials.
The new package includes higher daily and camping allowances, improved travel support, and bigger cash rewards for medal winners. According to the commission, gold medallists can earn up to $8,000 in rewards and bonuses, while every athlete and official received ₦500,000 as travel support.
Meanwhile, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Second Vice President Akuchukwu Aghazu has expressed confidence in the country’s 29 member athletics team currently training in Aberdeen, Scotland.
She said the athletes are united, disciplined, and determined to win medals when the athletics events begin on Monday, July 27.
Aghazu praised 19 year old Jessica Oji and Jami Schlueter, who recently switched to represent Nigeria, saying they have settled in well and are eager to help the country succeed.
“They have shown great commitment and work hard every day because they want to help Nigeria achieve success in athletics,” she said.
She also praised the leadership of the National Sports Commission, saying its support has helped improve athletes’ confidence and attracted more talented competitors to represent Nigeria.
According to Aghazu, the Federal Government’s support has also helped the team prepare well for the Games.
The 29 member athletics squad includes 16 women and 13 men.
AFN President Tonobok Okowa has also arrived in Scotland to oversee the team’s final preparations before competition begins.
