The National Sports Commission (NSC) has appointed Nigeria’s leading shot put athlete, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, as the male captain of Team Nigeria for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, in recognition of his outstanding achievements and exemplary service to Nigerian sport.
The appointment was announced in a statement signed by Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media to the Director General of the NSC, and made available to journalists on Tuesday.
Enekwechi will co-lead Team Nigeria alongside two-time Paralympic gold medallist Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who has been named the team’s female captain ahead of the multi-sport event, which begins on 23 July.
The 33-year-old United States-based athlete has established himself as one of Africa’s finest field event competitors. He is the reigning African shot put champion, won gold at the 2019 African Games and remains the National Sports Festival champion. He also claimed a historic silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, becoming one of Nigeria’s most successful athletes in the discipline.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said the appointments reflect the Commission’s commitment to rewarding excellence while creating a mentorship culture capable of inspiring the next generation of Nigerian athletes.
According to Olopade, both captains embody the values of discipline, resilience, patriotism and integrity, qualities that have defined their careers and made them worthy role models.
“We have picked individuals who not only have outstanding records in their respective sports but have also consistently demonstrated leadership and served as mentors to younger athletes through their dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to Nigeria,” Olopade said.
He added that the appointments also serve as recognition of the sacrifices both athletes have made in representing the country on the international stage.
“The decision to entrust them with leading Team Nigeria is also our way of appreciating their contributions to raising Nigeria’s profile in global sport. Their hard work and commitment have not gone unnoticed, and under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Sports, excellence and dedication will continue to be rewarded.”
The NSC believes the experienced duo will play an important leadership role both on and off the field, helping younger athletes cope with the pressure of competing at one of the Commonwealth’s biggest sporting events.
Team Nigeria is scheduled to depart the country on 2 July for a three-week pre-Games training camp in Aberdeen, where athletes will complete their final preparations before travelling to Glasgow.
In another boost to morale, members of Team Nigeria are eagerly anticipating the unveiling of their official Puma competition apparel, which the NSC will present on 1 July. The new kit is expected to symbolise the country’s renewed ambition to improve on previous Commonwealth Games performances.
With experienced leaders at the helm and months of preparation behind them, Team Nigeria will head to Glasgow determined to challenge for medals across several sports and reinforce the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading sporting nations.
