Government Funding Boost Strengthens Commonwealth Games Preparations – Olopade

The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has expressed confidence that Team Nigeria can secure a top-five finish at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, citing unprecedented support and funding from the Federal Government.

Speaking at a Commonwealth Games stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Friday, Olopade revealed that the NSC has directed all athletes travelling to the Federal Capital Territory for camping to fly rather than travel by road, with the commission bearing the full cost of transportation.

Nigeria has traditionally been one of Africa’s strongest performers at the Commonwealth Games, consistently winning medals in athletics, wrestling, weightlifting, boxing and para-sports. Determined to build on that rich legacy, the NSC has set ambitious targets for the country’s athletes, pointing to improved welfare packages, intensive preparations and strong government backing as key factors.

According to Olopade, projections from the Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board indicate that Team Nigeria could win approximately 16 gold medals and 20 silver medals at the Games. However, he believes the country is capable of achieving even greater success.

“Yusuf Ali believes we can win close to 16 gold medals and about 20 silver medals. But I have challenged him and the federations to aim even higher,” Olopade said.

“We should be targeting at least 20 gold medals because that would place Nigeria among the top five nations at the Commonwealth Games, and I do not believe that is beyond our capabilities.”

He attributed the improved outlook to the level of support received from President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“We have received tremendous support and funding from President Bola Tinubu and his administration, which has significantly enhanced our preparations,” he added.

Olopade identified the Commonwealth Games and the forthcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as the commission’s immediate priorities. He disclosed that the NSC has spent several months working closely with sports federations, including those overseeing American Flag Football, Karate and Mixed Martial Arts, to ensure athletes are adequately prepared for international competition.

While discussions with the Karate Federation are still ongoing, he noted that substantial progress has been made in resolving outstanding issues affecting preparations.

Athlete welfare featured prominently during the stakeholders’ meeting, with Olopade describing it as a critical component of Team Nigeria’s build-up to the Games. He announced a range of enhanced welfare measures, including improved travel arrangements, expanded apparel provisions and upgraded camping facilities.

“For the first time, each athlete’s kit bag will contain close to 20 different apparel items, all of which are ready and awaiting distribution,” he said.

Team Nigeria’s camping programme is scheduled to begin next Tuesday in Abuja. Following a planned meeting with President Tinubu on 2 July, the contingent will travel to Aberdeen, United Kingdom, where they will undergo a further three-and-a-half weeks of intensive training ahead of the Games.

Olopade said the Aberdeen training base had been carefully selected to provide athletes with the best possible environment for final preparations.

“We have secured an excellent training facility in Aberdeen. I have personally visited the camp twice to inspect the facilities and ensure that everything we are putting together is worthy of our athletes,” he explained.

He added that the decision to fly athletes to camp, rather than have them travel by road, was taken to prioritise their safety, comfort and overall well-being as preparations enter a crucial phase.

The NSC boss also disclosed that attractive financial rewards have been approved for athletes who win medals at the Games, although the details will be officially announced by President Tinubu before the team departs.

“We have agreed on substantial incentives for gold, silver and bronze medallists. The President will formally unveil the rewards when Team Nigeria visits him in the coming weeks,” Olopade said.

“Our athletes have never had it this good in terms of preparation, welfare and the support structures that will be available to them when they arrive in camp.”

With government support at an all-time high and preparations gathering momentum, Team Nigeria will be aiming to deliver one of its most successful Commonwealth Games campaigns in recent history.