By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye
Head Coach of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Solomon Aliyu, has expressed strong confidence in Team Nigeria's preparedness for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, revealing that the athletics team is already 95 per cent ready for the multi-sport event.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with First Zealmediacast Blog's Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye from Aberdeen, Scotland, where the athletes are undergoing their final phase of preparations, Aliyu said everything has gone according to plan and the squad is in excellent condition ahead of the Games.
According to the veteran coach, the athletes currently in camp earned their places through merit and recent performances, making up Nigeria's strongest team across the various track and field events.
"Team Nigeria is about 95 per cent ready for the Games. The athletes are already in Aberdeen for the final phase of preparations before the competition begins, and everything is going according to plan," Aliyu said.
The AFN head coach also disclosed that the camp has remained injury-free, attributing the healthy atmosphere to the effective work of the medical, coaching and support personnel.
"There have been no injuries. We have an excellent support system in place to ensure the athletes remain in top physical and mental condition throughout the camp and into the Games," he stated.
Aliyu praised the National Sports Commission (NSC) for providing a world-class preparation programme, describing the Aberdeen training camp as the ideal environment for the athletes to sharpen their readiness.
"The preparation put in place by the National Sports Commission has been first-class. The training camp in Aberdeen has provided the athletes with the right environment to prepare effectively, and we are grateful for the support," he added.
Drawing from his experience at previous Commonwealth Games, Aliyu stressed that success at the Games depends not only on physical fitness but also on mental strength and discipline.
He urged the athletes to remain focused, trust the work they have put in during training, and compete with confidence while proudly representing Nigeria on the international stage.
While confirming that most of the athletes are already in camp, the coach explained that a handful are still participating in international competitions across Europe as part of their final build-up before linking up with the rest of the team in Scotland.
Looking beyond Glasgow 2026, Aliyu called for sustained investment in grassroots athletics and talent discovery across Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
"I would say it is still a work in progress. Nigeria is blessed with enormous sporting talent across the country, and it is impossible to discover every talented athlete at once.”
"We must continue to create more opportunities through grassroots competitions and talent identification programmes so that athletes from every part of the country have the chance to develop and represent Nigeria in the future.”
He noted that although Nigeria possesses an abundance of athletic talent, more structured grassroots competitions and talent identification programmes are needed to ensure gifted athletes from every corner of the country are discovered and developed to represent the nation in future international championships.
"Stay focused, trust the preparation process, and compete with confidence. When the time comes, give your very best and represent Nigeria with pride and determination.” Aliyu stressed.
With the athletics contingent entering the final stretch of preparations, Team Nigeria will be aiming to build on its proud Commonwealth Games tradition when competition begins in Glasgow.
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