Onikeku supports Nigeria’s team for Commonwealth Games Athletics, advises athletes to surprise the world

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Ohis Asein

The Director of Sports, Nigeria Customs Service and board member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Samuel Onikeku, has expressed confidence in the athletics contingent of the Nigerian team ahead of the start of athletics events at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Monday, July 27.

Speaking exclusively to FAKS MEDIA on Saturday, Onikeku said the quality of athletes representing Nigeria, coupled with the unprecedented support and motivation of the National Sports Commission (NSC), has positioned the country for an impressive outing.

According to him, the leadership of the NSC, under the leadership of President Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, created the right atmosphere for athletes to excel on the international stage.

“I believe these athletes will surprise the world. The level of support and motivation they have received has been exceptional and this gives them the confidence to perform at their best,” Onikeku said.

He highlighted Nigeria’s strength in sprinting, noting that having four men’s 100m sprinters under 10 seconds is a big advantage in a championship of this magnitude.

“As a country, when you have four sub-10 second sprinters participating in a competition like this, the men’s 4X100m team should break the national record now with the four sub-10 sprinters,” he added.

The athletics administrator also praised the depth of talent in the Nigerian team, mentioning world record holder Tobi Amusan, emerging sprinting sensation Favor Ashe, 400m star Samuel Ogazi and experienced sprinter Rosemary Chukwuma among athletes capable of winning medals.

“We have Tobi Amusan, who is a world record holder, Samuel Ogazi, who is one of the best in the world right now, Favor Ashe is back again, Rosemary Chukwuma and many other outstanding athletes. I can go on and on. The athletes selected for the Commonwealth Games are the best that Nigeria has at the moment, and I am confident that they will make the nation proud.”

Team Nigeria will begin their athletics campaign on Monday as medal events begin at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games