NSC sure of at least 20 Commonwealth Games gold medals

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has expressed confidence that Team Nigeria can win at least 20 gold medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, saying such a feat would place the country among the top five nations at the Games. Olopade spoke on Friday in Abuja after a series of […]

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has expressed confidence that Team Nigeria can win at least 20 gold medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, saying such a feat would place the country among the top five nations at the Games.
Olopade spoke on Friday in Abuja after a series of strategic meetings with sports federations, including the American Flag Football, Karate and Mixed Martial Arts associations.

Speaking on Nigeria’s medal prospects, the NSC boss referenced an assessment by the Chief Executive Officer of the Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board, Yusuf Ali, which projects 16 gold and 20 silver medals for Team Nigeria.
“While the scientific assessment projects about 16 gold medals, I have challenged the federations to aim higher,” Olopade said.
“I believe Nigeria can win at least 20 gold medals. Achieving that would place us among the top five nations at the Commonwealth Games.”
Olopade said preparations for the Games have been ongoing for months, with athlete welfare remaining central to the Commission’s plans.
“We have been working for several weeks and months on plans for the Commonwealth Games,” he said.
“We have consistently maintained that athlete welfare remains our top priority. Today’s discussions centred on welfare packages, travel arrangements, and support measures to ensure our athletes are comfortable and adequately prepared.”
According to him, some athletes will travel in business class, while Team Nigeria’s competition and training kits have already been produced and packaged.
“For the first time, every athlete’s kit bag will contain close to 20 apparel items. Everything is ready for distribution. We are also finalising welfare packages ahead of camping, which begins on June 9 in Abuja,” he said.
The NSC Director General maintained that Nigerian athletes are enjoying unprecedented levels of support.
“Our athletes have never had it this good in terms of preparation, welfare and support structures available to them in camp,” he said.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will hold from July 22 to August 2, featuring more than 70 nations and territories competing across over 20 sports.