Team Nigeria’s athletics squad has joined other sports representatives at the national camp in Abuja ahead of departing for a high-performance training camp in Aberdeen, Scotland, as preparations intensify for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The National Sports Commission has expressed confidence in the contingent following the invitation of 29 athletes by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria. The squad will depart Abuja for Scotland on July 2, with the Aberdeen training tour scheduled to commence shortly after arrival.
Star-Studded Athletics Squad
The athletics team is headlined by two-time Commonwealth Games champion Tobi Amusan, the world-renowned sprint hurdler whose experience is expected to provide leadership for Nigeria’s campaign in Glasgow. Other leading names in the squad include Kayinsola Ajayi, Favour Ashe, Ese Brume, and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi.
The 29-man athletics contingent consists of seasoned internationals and promising young talents across sprints, relays, and field events, reflecting the National Sports Commission’s strategy of combining experience with emerging Athletics stars.
Why Aberdeen?
NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade explained that Aberdeen was selected for its world-class facilities, climate similarity to Glasgow, and proximity to the Games Village. The strategic choice aims to help athletes acclimatize properly before competition begins.
“We have deliberately positioned our preparation camp close to the competition environment to allow athletes to settle early and train under similar conditions,” Olopade said. “Experience has shown us that last-minute movements across countries can be disruptive. This time, we are prioritizing stability, structure, and proper coordination.”
Multi-Sport Preparations Underway
Beyond athletics, Nigeria’s weightlifting contingent is also preparing for the Aberdeen training tour. Nigeria Weightlifting Federation President Dr. Abdul confirmed that local camping in Abuja will end on July 1, with the team’s final squad of nine athletes and two coaches departing for Scotland on July 2.
“The camp has focused on technical refinement, strength development, conditioning exercises, recovery sessions and competition simulations designed to prepare the lifters for the demands of the Commonwealth Games,” Onubaye, the federation’s secretary, stated.
Nigeria’s weightlifters will be looking to improve on their tally of six medals, including two gold, from the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Ambitious Medal Targets
Olopade revealed that Nigeria is targeting 16 gold medals in Glasgow, which would set a new Commonwealth Games record for the country. Nigeria’s current best is 12 gold medals, achieved at the 2022 Birmingham edition.
“The days of excuses are over. Glasgow 2026 is about results. It’s about showing the world that Nigerian sports is back on the right trajectory, focused, purposeful and athlete-centred,” Olopade stated during a strategic engagement with federation executives in Abuja.
Games Details
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will run from July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, bringing together approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories across 10 sports and six para sports. The Games will be staged within a compact eight-mile corridor, utilizing venues including Scotstoun Stadium, the Scottish Event Campus, and Tollcross International Swimming Centre.
Nigeria is expected to compete across all 10 sports featured at the Games, with various federations conducting trials and qualification events to finalize their squads ahead of departure.
With camping underway in Abuja and the Aberdeen training tour fast approaching, Team Nigeria’s build-up to Glasgow 2026 is entering its decisive phase as athletes push to secure their places and deliver the country’s best-ever Commonwealth Games performance.
