Commonwealth Games: Tinubu urges Team Nigeria to win clean, break record

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File: President Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu has urged Team Nigeria to compete with integrity and surpass the country’s best-ever Commonwealth Games performance at the 2026 edition in Glasgow, Scotland.

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The President also warned athletes against doping, urging them to depend on talent, discipline and hard work to achieve success on the global sporting stage.

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Tinubu gave the charge on Thursday at the State House, Abuja, while receiving Team Nigeria athletes and officials before their departure for the Games.

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The President was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, during the farewell ceremony attended by sports administrators and government officials.

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Tinubu recalled Nigeria’s record haul of 35 medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, challenging the contingent to establish a new national benchmark.

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He reminded the athletes that millions of Nigerians would be following their performances with hope, pride and high expectations throughout the competition.

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“Whenever our athletes wear the green and white, they carry the hopes, pride, prayers and expectations of over 200 million Nigerians,” he said.

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The President stressed that sporting success should never come at the expense of integrity, insisting that clean victories carried greater value than medals obtained dishonestly.

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“Winning is important, but winning clean is more important. Medals are valuable, but integrity is priceless,” he declared.

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He urged the athletes to compete courageously while remaining faithful to fair play and the anti-doping rules governing international sports.

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“Go to Glasgow and compete with courage, but also compete clean. Let your performance be driven by talent, training, discipline and the Nigerian fighting spirit,” he said.

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Tinubu described the athletes as ambassadors representing Nigeria’s resilience, determination and excellence before the international community.

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“You are not only going to Glasgow as competitors; you are going as ambassadors of our country, symbols of our resilience and representatives of the Nigerian spirit,” he said.

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He encouraged them to showcase not only their sporting abilities but also the values that define the nation.

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“You are not just exporting your talent; you are exporting the values of this great country,” the President added.

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Tinubu commended the athletes, coaches, medical personnel, technical teams, administrators and officials whose efforts made Nigeria’s participation possible.

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“I commend all our athletes, coaches, officials, medical personnel, technical teams and administrators who have worked hard to bring Team Nigeria to this stage,” he said.

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The President also praised the National Sports Commission, the Nigerian Olympic Committee and other stakeholders for ensuring timely preparations.

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“Preparations for these Games started early and in a more deliberate and organised manner, ensuring our athletes are properly prepared for optimal performance,” he said.

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Tinubu said his administration had restructured sports funding to provide sustainable financial support and eliminate administrative challenges affecting athletes.

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“Our athletes will not be distracted by avoidable administrative issues. They will focus on one thing only, representing Nigeria with honour and giving their very best,” he added.

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The President further highlighted reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s anti-doping framework through legislation and institutional improvements.

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“We are determined to build a sports system where our athletes can succeed without suspicion and where Nigeria is known for discipline, integrity and excellence,” he said.

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Tinubu expressed confidence that Team Nigeria would exceed previous achievements and inspire future generations through outstanding performances.

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“Our target is clear. We want Team Nigeria to surpass its best-ever Commonwealth Games performance and return with more medals, more honour and more inspiring stories,” he said.

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Earlier, National Sports Commission Chairman, Shehu Dikko, assured the President that Team Nigeria was fully prepared for the challenge ahead.

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Dikko said the athletes had completed an intensive closed camping programme designed to sharpen their readiness for the Games.

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He pledged that the contingent would strive to surpass Nigeria’s previous best outing and make the nation proud.

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National Sports Commission Director-General, Bukola Olopade, said the commission was expanding partnerships with the private sector to improve sports funding and professionalism.

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Olopade explained that the initiative aligned with the Tinubu administration’s broader sports development agenda and long-term vision for Nigerian athletics.

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Team Nigeria captain, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, thanked the President for his support and pledged that the athletes would justify the nation’s confidence.

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Oluwafemiayo promised that the contingent would compete with discipline, win honours and serve as worthy ambassadors for Nigeria.

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Nigeria will field 74 athletes competing in 10 sports at the Commonwealth Games scheduled for Glasgow from July 23 to Aug. 2.

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(NAN)

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