Former Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu has praised Team Nigeria’s performance at the Commonwealth Games, saying it demonstrates the country’s sporting potential when athletes receive adequate support, proper preparation and a conducive environment.
A combo image of Nwachukwu, Enekwechi and Nathaniel
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has applauded Team Nigeria for its impressive performance at the Glasgow Games, describing the achievement as a source of national pride and evidence of the country’s growing sporting potential.
Shaibu said Team Nigeria’s outing, which saw the country finish seventh overall and emerge as the highest-ranked African nation, was the result of deliberate planning, early preparation, improved welfare packages and effective support systems put in place for the athletes.
According to him, the performance highlights what Nigerian athletes can achieve when provided with the right environment, adequate support and quality preparation.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, and the Commission’s Director-General, Bukola Olopade.
The NIS Director-General also commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its coordination of Nigeria’s participation at the Games. He said the success recorded in Glasgow reflected the Commission’s commitment to improving sports administration in the country, noting that efficient organisation before, during and after the competition contributed significantly to the athletes’ confidence and performance.
Shaibu further acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu, whom he credited with providing the necessary backing that strengthened Team Nigeria’s preparations and participation. He said the President’s commitment to sports development had boosted the morale of athletes and officials, enabling them to compete successfully on the international stage.
Reflecting on the significance of the achievement, the former Deputy Governor of Edo State said Nigeria’s emergence as Africa’s best-performing nation and seventh overall should serve as a catalyst for increased investment in sports development.
He called on governments at all levels, the private sector and other stakeholders to invest more in grassroots talent identification, modern training facilities and sustainable athlete welfare programmes to consolidate the country’s recent gains.
Shaibu expressed confidence that with sustained investment, strategic planning and stronger collaboration among stakeholders, Nigeria could build on its success and establish itself as a dominant force in global sports.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the National Institute for Sports to supporting initiatives aimed at discovering and nurturing future champions while strengthening the country’s sporting excellence.
