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Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, and Team Nigeria’s Chef de Mission, Bukola Olopade, has expressed confidence that the country remains firmly on track to achieve its medal targets at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Ruth Asuquo Nyong boosted Team Nigeria’s medal tally by claiming silver in the women’s 48kg weightlifting event with a combined lift of 168kg, made up of 75kg in the snatch and 93kg in the clean and jerk.
Olopade said the result was another indication that the team’s medal projections remain on track.
“If the projections of the Elite Board are anything to go by, we’re still on track. Even for Ruth, the expectation was a bronze medal and she won a silver. It’s an upward progression rather than downward,” Olopade told the NSC media.
Olopade expressed confidence that athletics would significantly boost Nigeria’s medal tally.
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“I was with the athletics team last night and we’re hoping that seven to eight gold medals can come from there,” added Olopade.
Olopade also commended the athletes, coaches and officials for their resilience and commitment, saying the renewed identity of Nigerian sports is already evident.
“I am very proud of the young men and women and officials I have had the opportunity to work with over the past one and a half years. Many people are saying they can see an identity in our sports again after a long time, and that on its own is a gold medal,” he declared.
He reaffirmed that athlete welfare remains at the heart of the Commission’s reforms under the leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko.
“Athletes work hard every day and deserve to feel acknowledged and respected. Yes, it’s about patriotism, but it’s also about reward and looking after one another. We trust they will continue to make Nigeria proud,” Olopade stated.
