By Ado Salisu
Former World and Olympic wrestling champion Daniel Igali has expressed confidence that Team Nigeria will perform strongly at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, while commending the National Sports Commission (NSC) for prioritising athletes’ welfare ahead of the competition.
Igali, who is also the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, said the signs emerging from Team Nigeria’s camp indicate that the country is well-positioned to compete for medals, largely due to the improved welfare and preparations provided for the athletes.
“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,” he said.
The 52-year-old praised the leadership of the NSC, particularly Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade, for creating an environment that allows athletes to focus solely on their performances.
“I must commend the leadership of the National Sports Commission, especially the Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director-General, Hon. 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 were settled 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,” Igali said.
He noted that the atmosphere within Team Nigeria’s camp has been positive, with athletes appearing motivated and mentally prepared for the challenge ahead.
However, Igali stressed that sustained success at major international competitions depends on long-term planning and quality preparation.
“The one area I cannot fully assess from outside the technical setup is the quality of the preparation that preceded the final camp, because success at this level is built over many months through quality coaching, sound planning, sports science and consistent international competition,” he explained.
The Olympic gold medallist identified athletics, weightlifting and para sports as Nigeria’s strongest medal prospects, while predicting that the boxing team could also produce impressive results.
“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, and I will be following the team with special interest,” he added.
Igali also expressed pride in Bayelsa State’s representation in Team Nigeria, wishing Abayomi Adeyemi, Favour Agboro, Ruth Ayodele, Adedapo Opadeji and sprint sensation Tima Godbless success in Glasgow.
“They have earned their places through hard work and merit, and I hope they make both Nigeria and Bayelsa proud,” he said.
Despite his optimism, Igali cautioned against placing excessive pressure on the athletes through medal predictions, noting that elite competitions are often decided by the smallest of margins.
“While it is tempting to make medal predictions, I prefer not to place unnecessary pressure on the athletes. Major championships are often decided by the finest of margins.
“The draw, an untimely injury, officiating decisions, weather conditions, recovery between events, or simply who performs best on the day can all determine whether an athlete stands on the podium or narrowly misses out.
He urged Nigerians to evaluate the team’s performance beyond medal counts, saying discipline, commitment and national pride are equally important indicators of success.
“Our athletes should be judged not only by the number of medals they win, but also by the quality of their performances, the discipline they display and the pride with which they represent Nigeria,” he said.
Concluding, Igali said Team Nigeria has been given a solid platform for success and urged both the athletes and technical officials to translate the support into podium finishes.
“The welfare arrangements, early arrival for acclimatisation and the positive atmosphere within the camp suggest that the athletes have been given a good platform to succeed.
“The responsibility now rests with the athletes and the technical teams to convert that support into performances that will make Nigeria proud. I wish every member of Team Nigeria the very best.
“They carry the hopes of millions of Nigerians, and I have every confidence that they will give their all for our country.”
