The countdown to the Commonwealth Games Glasgow has begun with bold ambition, as Nigeria sets its sights on a historic medal haul.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has declared his confidence in Team Nigeria’s readiness, projecting an impressive 22 gold medals at the global showpiece.
Speaking in Lagos on the sidelines of the NNL Super Four draw 2026, Olopade struck an optimistic tone, insisting that the target could even surpass internal expectations.
“Although the Elite Athletes Podium Finish team is looking at 18 gold medals, I think we will push beyond that to 22,” he said.
Nigeria will compete in seven sports in Glasgow, banking on a blend of experienced stars and emerging talents to deliver on the lofty goal.
Behind the scenes, Olopade credits a revamped system under the leadership of Shehu Dikko for the team’s preparedness adding that Nigeria’s number one citizen President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is completely behind them.
From early local camping to timely payment of athlete grants and the securing of dedicated training sites, the NSC has, according to Olopade, “broken many barriers” in its build-up to the Games.
Logistics, including team kits and travel arrangements, have also been fully addressed, which is an area that has historically troubled Nigerian contingents.
This confidence is not without foundation, at the Commonwealth Games Birmingham 2022, Team Nigeria delivered its best-ever performance, racking up 35 medals—12 gold, nine silver, and 14 bronze.
Notably, all 12 gold medals came from female athletes, underlining the country’s growing strength in women’s sports.
Now, with Glasgow on the horizon, expectations are soaring once again. If Olopade’s projections hold true, Nigeria could be on the brink of rewriting its Commonwealth Games history, powered by preparation, belief, and a renewed hunger for gold backed by government comprehensive support.
Key data of Nigeria’s 2022 Commonwealth Games Outing: Total Medals: 35, Gold Medals: 12, Silver Medals: 9 and Bronze Medals: 14. Overall Ranking: 7th position
President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, has confirmed that Ghana will host the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
The announcement was made on Sunday, via a post on his official Facebook page.
Ghana will be hosting the tournament for the first time in nearly three decades, having last staged the competition, then known as the African Youth Championship in 1999.
On that occasion, the Black Satellites reached the final but finished as runners-up to Nigeria.
Since then, Ghana has remained a strong force in the competition, most recently winning their fourth title in 2021.
However, the country has not had the opportunity to host the tournament again until now.
The confirmation marks a significant milestone for Ghana football, as preparations are expected to begin towards staging a successful continental tournament in 2027.
