Joel Ajayi
The Judo Federation of Nigeria has declared full alignment with the National Sports Commission’s performance-driven roadmap for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, vowing to contribute meaningfully to Team Nigeria’s medal target in Glasgow.
The pledge was made by the President of the Judo Federation of Nigeria, Dr. Musa Oshodi, following a strategic engagement with the NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, in Abuja. The meeting brought together federation executives to finalize preparations ahead of the Games scheduled for July 22 – August 2, 2026.
Dr. Oshodi said the federation is ready to match the Commission’s urgency, beginning with the nationwide local camp slated to start on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, and the subsequent overseas camp in Aberdeen, Scotland.
“We are fully aligned with the NSC mandate. Glasgow 2026 is not about participation for us, it is about podium finishes,” Dr. Oshodi stated. “The Director General has set the tone – athlete welfare first, discipline always, and results at the end. Judo will not be left behind in this new era of Nigerian sports.”
He noted that the federation has already reviewed past Commonwealth Games performances, identified technical and logistical gaps, and put structures in place to close them early.
“The days of last-minute camping and excuses are over. Our athletes will be in camp early, medically screened, technically refined, and mentally prepared. Aberdeen offers us the right environment to sharpen for Glasgow,” he added.
Dr. Oshodi commended the NSC for prioritizing athlete welfare and logistics, describing it as a shift that will give judokas the competitive edge needed on the world stage.
“When the athlete is well taken care of, performance takes care of itself. The NSC is giving us that foundation, and we as a federation must build on it with accountability and professionalism,” he said.
Nigeria’s judo team has been a consistent medal source at the Commonwealth Games, and Dr. Oshodi expressed confidence that the 2026 edition would surpass previous records.
“Nigerian judo is ready. We have talent, we have a plan, and now we have the backing of the Commission. Our message to Nigerians is simple: expect discipline, expect fight, and expect medals from Glasgow,” he concluded.
The National Sports Commission has confirmed that Team Nigeria’s overseas camp will hold in Aberdeen due to its world-class facilities, climate similarity to Glasgow, and proximity to the Games Village. Over 70 nations and territories are expected to compete across 20+ sports at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
As the countdown begins, the Judo Federation says it is positioning its athletes not just to compete, but to contend.
