NSC Targets 22 Gold Medals At Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

The chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has projected that Team Nigeria could win between 18 and 22 medals at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, insisting that the target is rooted in detailed strategic planning by the country’s sports federations.

Dikko made the declaration on Wednesday while officially opening the two-day retreat of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria in Abuja.

According to him, the medal projection is based on recommendations and technical assessments submitted by various sports federations after reviewing the quality of available talents, development programmes and realistic performance targets.

“When the Sports Commission says we believe we can get between 18 and 22 medals at the Commonwealth Games, it is because of this kind of strategic plan coming from all the federations which are now being pulled together,” Dikko said.

He explained that the NSC has directed every federation to produce comprehensive short, medium and long-term strategic plans to guide athlete development, competition targets and medal aspirations over a four-year cycle.

“It is a new way of doing things. Every federation must have a strategic document that guides what they want to achieve,” he added.

Dikko also stressed that the Commonwealth Games would serve as part of Nigeria’s preparations towards the Olympic Games, noting that recent international outings, including the athletics competition in Botswana, formed part of the country’s long-term elite sports development programme.

Beyond medals, the NSC chairman said sports development must also contribute meaningfully to the economy by creating jobs, expanding grassroots competitions and providing pathways for young athletes to fulfil their dreams.

He further revealed that Nigeria remains in discussions with Commonwealth authorities over a possible bid to host the 2034 Commonwealth Games after the country’s earlier proposal was deferred in favour of India.

According to him, Nigeria’s bid was described as “very compelling” by Commonwealth officials and remains under consideration for future hosting rights.