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Nigeria’s National Sports Commission (NSC) says it is working toward a long-term partnership with sportswear brand Puma, building on what officials describe as a successful kit-sponsorship arrangement during the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The plan was announced Wednesday at a press conference held at the Team Nigeria Puma Afrobeat House, where NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade praised the brand’s role in preparing athletes for the Games. Olopade said Puma’s support had strengthened Team Nigeria’s pre-tournament preparations and credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with directing the Commission to build “an ecosystem that is driven by the economies of sports.”
She added that the Commission intends to build on the momentum from Glasgow rather than treat it as a one-off success, pointing to timely payment of athletes’ allowances and bonuses as evidence of an improved welfare system heading into future competitions, including the Olympics. She also acknowledged the groundwork laid by past Directors-General Amos Adamu, Gbenga Elegbeleye and Alhassan Yakmut.
Olopade framed the Commonwealth Games as a stepping stone toward the Olympics, where she expressed confidence Nigeria could exceed its historical medal tally.
Representatives from Puma’s side echoed that optimism. Ayo Amusan, chief executive of PRL — Puma’s official partner in Nigeria — said the company had been encouraged by the depth of the collaboration with Team Nigeria and was looking ahead to future opportunities between the two brands. Puma’s Head of Team Sport, Bastien De Toledo, described the current arrangement as an early stage in a longer relationship, saying he was optimistic about Nigerian sports under the NSC’s present leadership.
The press conference drew a number of senior sporting figures, including Nigeria Olympic Committee President Habu Gumel, National Institute for Sports Director-General Philip Shuaibu, Athletics Federation of Nigeria President Tony Okowa, and Nigeria Weightlifting Federation President Ibrahim Abdul. Former NSC Directors-General Amos Adamu and Gbenga Elegbeleye, along with Alhassan Yakmut — all now serving as Team Nigeria ambassadors at the Games — also attended and voiced support for the direction of Nigerian sports under NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and Olopade.
