Head of Elite Athletes and Podium Board at the National Sports Commission (NSC), Yusuf Alli, has stated that Team Nigeria may still qualify more teams for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled to take place in Glasgow, Scotland. Alli made this known as Team Nigeria's contingent to the 2026 African Open Para Powerlifting Championships in Oran, Algeria, returned home with an impressive haul of 49 medals after another dominant performance on the continent.
Para Powerlifting Team Shines in Algeria
The Nigerian para powerlifting team secured second place overall with 32 gold, 12 silver, and five bronze medals at the championships. This achievement highlights the country's continued excellence in the sport and underscores the depth of talent available for future international competitions.
Working Towards June 20 Deadline
Alli, a three-time Olympian, told The Guardian that Team Nigeria is actively working to increase the number of athletes for the Games before the June 20 submission deadline. “The deadline for the submission of athletes for the Games is June 20, and we are working hard to ensure more athletes book their tickets. Other countries are also working towards the June 20 deadline,” Alli explained.
He also revealed that Team Nigeria will commence its training tour on July 1 in preparation for the Commonwealth Games, which will run from July 21 to August 2. The training camp is expected to help athletes fine-tune their skills and build cohesion ahead of the quadrennial event.
NSC Praises Para Powerlifting Team
Meanwhile, the National Sports Commission has commended the para powerlifting team for their resilience, discipline, and patriotism throughout the competition in Algeria. The NSC described the team’s achievement as another proud moment for Nigerian sports, reaffirming the country's status as a powerhouse in para powerlifting on the African continent.
With the June 20 deadline fast approaching, the NSC and the Elite Athletes and Podium Board are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that Nigeria fields a strong and competitive team at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
