The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has expressed confidence that Team Nigeria will deliver an outstanding performance at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, declaring that the country is capable of winning at least 20 gold medals.
Speaking during the official unveiling of Team Nigeria, Shaibu attributed his optimism to the timely preparation the athletes have received, describing it as a significant departure from previous experiences.
“We thank God for the timely preparation, which is different from what we used to have,” Shaibu said. “Just as we have charged the athletes, they should go there and win. Everything needed for their preparation and travel has been provided. It is now left for them to appreciate Nigerians and Nigeria by making us proud by winning medals.”
He added that the athletes have demonstrated the spirit of Nigerian dominance and resilience, giving him confidence in their ability to triumph at the Games.
“With what I have seen in them, I am confident they can return with 20 gold medals,” he stated.
Shaibu also highlighted the NIS’s commitment to grassroots sports development, noting that the institute has intensified efforts to discover and nurture talents across the country.
“As far as the NIS is concerned, we have taken sports to the grassroots to encourage greater participation, take advantage of our large population, and ensure Nigeria qualifies consistently for major international competitions going forward,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, said the nation’s preparations for the Games did not begin recently but were the result of long-term planning and talent identification.
“This is a clear demonstration of timely preparation. We have been preparing well ahead of the Games, from talent scouting to where we are today,” Dikko said.
He disclosed that the Commission is projecting between 16 and 20 gold medals, expressing confidence in the athletes’ readiness.
“We will continue to motivate them without delay. We are taking the team 20 days ahead of the competition to allow them acclimatize to the environment and maximize their performance,” he added.
In his remarks, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, said the Commission’s projections are based on careful planning and deliberate execution.
“We believe in projections. Once a projection is submitted, we work tirelessly towards achieving it, and that is exactly what we have done,” Olopade said.