Nigeria’s premier shot put athlete, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, has been named Team Nigeria’s male captain for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, by the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
The U.S.-based thrower will lead the Nigerian contingent alongside two-time Paralympic champion Folashade Oluwafemilayo, who has been appointed the team’s female captain.
Enekwechi, 33, boasts an impressive résumé, having won silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, the African title, the 2019 African Games gold medal, and most recently the National Sports Festival championship.
NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade said the appointments of Enekwechi and Oluwafemilayo reflect the Commission’s commitment to creating a strong mentorship culture, with accomplished athletes serving as role models and inspiring the next generation of Nigerian sporting talents.
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“We have picked individuals who do not only have a strong track records in their various sports but are also clear mentors to the young athletes for how they have sacrificially dedicated themselves to the country with utmost integrity and respect throughout their careers.”
“The decision to pick them to lead Team Nigeria to the Commonwealth games is to also let them know that the country appreciates them for all they have been doing to put the Nation’s flag on the global map and their labour will not be in vein, especially under the Renewed Hope Agenda for sports of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,GCFR”, he said.
Team Nigeria is scheduled to depart for Scotland on Thursday, July 2, 2026, where the contingent will embark on a three-week training camp in Aberdeen ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which get underway in Glasgow on July 23.
Excitement is already building within the Nigerian camp, with athletes and officials eagerly anticipating the unveiling of the team’s specially designed PUMA kits.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) will officially reveal the competition and ceremonial apparel on Wednesday, July 1, before the team’s departure for the Games.
