By Nkechi Eze
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has expressed strong support for Team Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games following his unveiling as one of the country’s official ambassadors for the competition.
Adeniyi was announced as part of the ambassadorial team on April 1, 2026, by the National Sports Commission, in a move aimed at mobilising nationwide support for Nigeria’s participation at the global sporting event.
The initiative brings together a diverse group of sports administrators, elite athletes and key stakeholders to help galvanise national backing for the team ahead of the Games, which will take place in Glasgow, United Kingdom, from July 23 to August 2, 2026.
The inclusion of the Customs boss in the ambassadorial team highlights the growing collaboration between public institutions and sports development efforts, with the Nigeria Customs Service positioned as an important partner in promoting Nigeria’s global sporting aspirations.
The ambassadorial team also includes seasoned sports administrators such as Saleh Ahmadu, Amos Adamu, Patrick Ekeji, Alhassan Yakmut, and Gbenga Elegbeleye, all of whom have previously held leadership positions at the National Sports Commission.
Their combined experience is expected to provide strategic guidance and institutional memory as Nigeria prepares its athletes for the competition.
The team also features accomplished former athletes, including Olympic gold medallist Daniel Igali and Commonwealth champion Blessing Oborodudu, alongside other stakeholders and representatives from the private sector.
Observers say the blend of experienced administrators and celebrated athletes reflects a deliberate effort to ensure inclusivity, credibility and performance-driven preparation for the Games.
Speaking on the development, Adeniyi commended the initiative and emphasised the importance of sports as a unifying force capable of promoting youth engagement and projecting Nigeria positively on the global stage.
“The success of Team Nigeria will depend not only on the athletes but on the strength of the support system around them. This ambassadorial initiative is a step in the right direction towards building that collective responsibility,” he said.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will bring together athletes from across the Commonwealth to compete in a streamlined programme featuring sports such as athletics, swimming, boxing, cycling and gymnastics, with full integration of para-sports.
