Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has explained the rationale behind the appointment of shot put star Chukwuebuka Enekwechi as Team Nigeria’s male captain for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The NSC announced on Tuesday that the 33-year-old African champion will lead the men’s contingent, while two-time Paralympic gold medallist Folashade Oluwafemilayo will serve as the female captain.
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According to Olopade, the appointments reflect the Commission’s commitment to building a strong mentorship culture within Nigerian sports by placing experienced and exemplary athletes in leadership roles.
“We have picked individuals who do not only have strong track records in their various sports but are also clear mentors to the young athletes through the way they have sacrificially dedicated themselves to the country with utmost integrity and respect throughout their careers,” Olopade said.
He added that the decision was also aimed at recognising the athletes’ years of dedicated service to Nigeria and inspiring the next generation of sportsmen and women.
“The decision to pick them to lead Team Nigeria to the Commonwealth Games is also to let them know that the country appreciates them for all they have been doing to put the nation’s flag on the global map. Their labour will not be in vain, especially under the Renewed Hope Agenda for Sports of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he stated.
Enekwechi, who is based in the United States, boasts an impressive résumé, having won silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, the African Games title in 2019, the African Championship, and the National Sports Festival crown.
Team Nigeria is scheduled to depart the country on Thursday, July 2, for a three-week training camp in Aberdeen, Scotland, ahead of the Commonwealth Games, which begin on July 23 in Glasgow.
Meanwhile, the team’s official Puma apparel will be unveiled by the National Sports Commission on Wednesday, July 1, as athletes and officials prepare for the multi-sport event.
