Glasgow 2026: SWAN Hails Team Nigeria’s Performance, Preaches Renewed Commitment To Sports Development
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has applauded Team Nigeria for its impressive performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, urging the country’s sports stakeholders to sustain the momentum through renewed commitment to athlete development and sports administration.
SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement signed by the Secretary-General of the Association, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, Wednesday, August 12 congratulated Team Nigeria for finishing seventh on the overall medals’ table and emerging as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games.
Team Nigeria ended its campaign with 24 medals comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, recording one of its strongest Commonwealth Games outings in recent years.
The President of SWAN said the performance was a reflection of the resilience, discipline and determination of the Nigerian athletes, who competed strongly across different sporting disciplines and delivered several memorable performances in Glasgow.
He then commended the vision-driven leadership of Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade which is gradually yielding tremendous result.
“The most exciting and purposeful approach by the NSC which to a large extent made the difference was the prompt reward of athletes immediately after podium performance. While in Glasgow, I, alongside other Sports Journalists witnessed how the athletes and coaches’ welfare was top priority.
“The latest approach is a clear departure from what obtains when athletes complain or wait for a long time before getting what is due to them,” he said.
The SWAN President said the performances demonstrated the depth of talent available to Nigeria and showed what could be achieved when athletes receive adequate preparation and support.
President Isaiah noted that the performance should encourage the country’s sports authorities and other stakeholders to develop a sustainable strategy for identifying, nurturing and supporting athletes capable of competing successfully at major international competitions.
He stressed that the Glasgow experience should not end with celebration alone but should provide an opportunity to assess the country’s strengths and weaknesses and build on the areas that produced positive results ahead of future international engagements including African Games and Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
It further urged the NSC, sports federations, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to work together to create an environment where talented athletes can develop their potential and compete consistently at the highest level.
“Sustained investment in grassroots sports, modern training facilities, quality coaching, improved welfare for athletes, adequate preparation should begin well ahead of major competitions rather than relying on last-minute arrangements,” he said.
“Also, more engagement of the sporting media need to be strengthened through regular collaboration with SWAN leadership at all times.”
The association reiterated its commitment to supporting the growth of Nigerian sports through responsible journalism, constructive engagement and advocacy for the welfare of athletes and other stakeholders.
SWAN said sports journalists have an important role to play in documenting the achievements of Nigerian athletes, promoting sporting excellence and drawing attention to areas requiring improvement.
On the World U20 Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States, SWAN commended NSC Leadership for using the age-grade competition as a veritable platform for high level exposure of young athletes, while calling for more discovery of talents at tender age level in Nigeria.
The association described the recent collaboration between NSC and Ministry of Education as progressive in blending sports development with educational values.
