Tinubu Charges Team Nigeria to Compete with Integrity, Unveils PUMA as Official Kit Partner for 2026 Commonwealth Games
Oru LeonardÂ
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday gave Team Nigeria a presidential send-off ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, urging the country’s athletes to compete with discipline, integrity and excellence while representing the nation’s over 200 million citizens.
The President, represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, delivered the charge during a colourful ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where he reminded athletes that protecting Nigeria’s image was as important as winning medals.
According to the President, while medals remain valuable, integrity is priceless. He urged members of Team Nigeria to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, avoid doping and all forms of misconduct, and serve as worthy ambassadors of the country throughout the Games.
Following the presidential ceremony, the National Sports Commission led Team Nigeria, officials and stakeholders to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, where global sportswear brand PUMA was officially unveiled as the team’s kit partner for the Games.
The unveiling marked a major milestone in the Commission’s efforts to reposition Nigerian sports by providing world-class support for elite athletes competing on the international stage.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, said the Commission had worked diligently to ensure Team Nigeria received the necessary support, preparation and confidence required for a successful outing in Glasgow.
He expressed confidence that the athletes would make the country proud and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for sporting excellence.
Director General of the Commission, Bukola Olopade, warned that discipline would remain non-negotiable throughout the competition, stressing that any athlete or official found guilty of indiscipline, doping or conduct capable of bringing Nigeria into disrepute would face strict sanctions, including possible expulsion from the contingent.
The ceremonies attracted several prominent figures from Nigeria’s sports sector, including former Minister of Finance Wale Edun, Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Olympic Committee Solomon Ogba, Director General of the National Institute for Sports Philip Shaibu, basketball legend Olumide Oyedeji, athletics icon Mary Onyali and Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Centre Mainasara Ilo, alongside sports administrators and former internationals.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, with Team Nigeria fielding 74 athletes across 10 sporting events as the country seeks another successful outing on the Commonwealth stage.
