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By JOE APU
Former Olympic and world wrestling champion Daniel Igali has thrown his weight behind Team Nigeria’s medal ambitions at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, saying the improved welfare and meticulous preparations put in place by the National Sports Commission (NSC) have given the country’s athletes the platform to excel in Glasgow.
According to Firstzealmediablog, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports said reports emerging from Team Nigeria’s training camp have been encouraging, expressing confidence that the athletes are mentally prepared and well-positioned to challenge for honours at the Games.
“From all the information available, I believe there are genuine reasons to be optimistic about Team Nigeria’s prospects at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games,” Igali said.
The 52-year-old reserved special praise for the leadership of the NSC, commending Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade for prioritising athletes’ welfare ahead of the competition.
“First, I must commend the leadership of the National Sports Commission, particularly the Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Honourable Bukola Olopade, for the attention they have given to athlete welfare and the team’s preparations.
“Reports indicate that the athletes arrived in the United Kingdom early enough for proper acclimatisation, while allowances and other welfare arrangements have been addressed in good time.
“As a former athlete, I can say these are not small matters. When athletes are free from welfare concerns, they are able to focus entirely on performance.”
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Igali noted that the atmosphere in camp suggests the athletes are motivated, but stressed that sustained success at major competitions depends on months of quality coaching, proper planning, sports science and regular international exposure.
While identifying athletics, weightlifting and para sports as Nigeria’s strongest medal prospects, he also tipped the boxing team to produce positive surprises during the Games.
“Nigeria’s strongest medal prospects, in my view, lie in athletics, weightlifting and the para sports, which have consistently delivered for our country on the international stage.
“Boxing also has the potential to produce positive surprises. Weightlifting, in particular, has remained one of Nigeria’s most dependable medal-winning sports.”
The former wrestling star also expressed delight at the inclusion of Bayelsa athletes Abayomi Adeyemi, Favour Agboro, Ruth Ayodele, Adedapo Opadeji and sprint sensation Tima Godbless in Team Nigeria, wishing them success in Glasgow.
Igali, however, cautioned against burdening the athletes with medal expectations, noting that major championships are often decided by narrow margins, including injuries, officiating, weather and performances on the day.
He urged Nigerians to judge the team not only by medals won but also by their commitment, discipline and the pride with which they represent the country.
According to him, the welfare support and early arrival in Scotland have provided Team Nigeria with the ideal foundation, adding that the athletes and coaches must now convert those favourable conditions into podium finishes.
