The leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) has named Nigeria’s shot put star, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, as captain of Team Nigeria (men) for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Enekwechi, who is based in the United States and won a silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, will co-lead the Nigerian contingent alongside two-time Paralympic champion Folashade Oluwafemilayo, who has been named the team’s female captain.
The 33-year-old Enekwechi is the reigning African champion in the shot put event. He is also the 2019 African Games champion and the current National Sports Festival champion, making him one of Nigeria’s most accomplished field athletes.
Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said the appointment of Enekwechi and Oluwafemilayo aligns with the commission’s vision of creating a strong mentorship pathway for emerging athletes.
“We have picked individuals who not only have strong track records in their respective sports but are also exemplary mentors to younger athletes through their selfless dedication, integrity and commitment to representing Nigeria throughout their careers,” Olopade said.
He added that the appointments were also in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Nigerian sports, saying “The decision to pick them to lead Team Nigeria to the Commonwealth Games is to let them know that the country appreciates all they have done to put Nigeria’s flag on the global stage. Their labour will not be in vain, especially under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for sports”.
Team Nigeria is scheduled to depart on Thursday, July 2, 2026, for a three-week training camp in Aberdeen, Scotland, ahead of the Commonwealth Games, which begin on July 23 in Glasgow.
Meanwhile, the athletes and officials are already expressing excitement over the team’s new designer Puma apparel, which will be officially unveiled by the NSC on Wednesday, July 1, ahead of the team’s departure.
