NSC Seeks Long-Term Partnership with Puma After Team Nigeria’s Strong Glasgow Campaign

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has opened discussions with sportswear giant Puma over a long-term partnership following what it described as the successful collaboration between both parties at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, disclosed this during a world press conference held on Wednesday at the Team Nigeria Puma Afrobeat House in Glasgow.

Olopade said the Commission’s experience with Puma as the official kit sponsor of Team Nigeria at the Games had been “very positive and progressive”, adding that the NSC was keen to strengthen the relationship ahead of future international competitions.

He noted that Team Nigeria’s impressive preparations for the Commonwealth Games were made possible through the support of strategic partners, including Puma.

“Our intentions were deliberate from the moment we assumed office,” Olopade said. “Looking at the entire spectrum of sports, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given us the mandate to create an ecosystem driven by the economics of sport.

“We are delighted to have Puma by our side. They believed in us, and together we can achieve even greater success for Nigeria ahead of major international competitions such as the Olympic Games.”

The NSC Director General said the Commission, under its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, would not be carried away by the praise it has received for Team Nigeria’s preparations and athlete welfare at the Glasgow Games.

According to him, the Commission remains committed to building a lasting legacy by improving the administration and welfare of Nigerian athletes.

“We are determined to create enduring legacies at the Commission, and that process began with the excellent work of former Director Generals such as Dr Amos Adamu, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye and Alhassan Yakmut,” he said.

Olopade also highlighted the welfare package introduced for Team Nigeria, saying athletes had received their allowances, bonuses and rewards promptly, contributing to a smooth and successful campaign.

“This Games has been very smooth because of the excellent welfare package we put in place for the athletes. We ensured that allowances, bonuses and rewards were paid without unnecessary delays, and this is only the beginning of bigger things to come as we prepare for the Olympic Games,” he added.

The NSC boss expressed satisfaction with Team Nigeria’s performances in Glasgow, describing the Commonwealth Games as an important stepping stone towards the Olympics, where he believes Nigeria has the potential to surpass its previous achievements.

Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of PRL, Puma’s official partner in Nigeria, Ayo Amusan, said the company was encouraged by its partnership with Team Nigeria and looked forward to expanding the relationship.

Head of Team Sport at Puma, Bastien De Toledo, also described the collaboration as the beginning of a new journey, expressing confidence in the future of Nigerian sports under the current leadership of the NSC.

The press conference was attended by President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr Habu Gumel; Director General of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu; President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Chief Tony Okowa; and President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Dr Ibrahim Abdul.

Also present were former NSC Director Generals Dr Amos Adamu, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye and Alhassan Yakmut, who are serving as Team Nigeria ambassadors at the Games.

The dignitaries commended the direction of Nigerian sports under the leadership of NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade, expressing optimism that the current reforms would deliver sustained success on the international stage.