Tinubu urges Team Nigeria to win clean at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
President Bola Tinubu has charged Team Nigeria to compete with integrity, discipline and patriotism at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, urging the athletes to uphold the country’s values and avoid actions that could tarnish its reputation.
The President gave the charge on Thursday during a presidential send-off ceremony at the State House in Abuja ahead of the team’s departure for the Games. He was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Addressing the 72-member contingent, Tinubu described the athletes as ambassadors of Nigeria’s resilience and talent, expressing confidence in their ability to excel on the international stage.
“Go to Glasgow with confidence, discipline and unity. Go with patriotism and with the mindset that Nigeria can stand with the very best in the world,” the President said.
Referring to Nigeria’s experience at previous international competitions, Tinubu urged the athletes to learn from past mistakes and maintain the highest standards of sportsmanship throughout the Games.
“Win clean. Let every medal you earn reflect your commitment, your dedication and the values that define our great nation. Winning is important, but winning clean is more important. Medals are valuable, but integrity is priceless,” he said.
The President said his administration remains committed to promoting clean sports through stronger anti-doping measures and improved support for athletes.
He noted that he had signed the Nigerian Anti-Doping Act into law and that the board of the Nigerian Anti-Doping Centre had been inaugurated to strengthen the country’s legal and institutional framework for combating doping.
