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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Sports

Ashe declares readiness for Commonwealth Games

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Nigerian sprinter Favour Ashe is confident about his readiness for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
  • He highlighted the national team's training camp as crucial for sharpening athletes' performance.
  • The Nigerian government has announced a financial reward package for medal winners and their coaches.

Nigeria's sprint sensation Favour Ashe has declared himself mentally and physically prepared for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. As Team Nigeria intensifies its preparations for the multi-sport event, Ashe, a specialist in the 100m and 4x100m relay, expressed his confidence.

"Coming into the Commonwealth Games, I would say my mental is in the right spot. Iโ€™m ready mentally and physically," Ashe stated. He credited the national team's training camp for significantly boosting the athletes' readiness and improving their mental state. "This training camp has been a huge boost for the athletes and has put us in a better mental space. So, yes, I would say Iโ€™m ready for the Commonwealth Games," he added.

Ashe also appealed to Nigerians for widespread support for Team Nigeria throughout the competition. "I want Nigerians to support us, not just me, but every athlete representing the country. Family and friends should continue to encourage us and support us in every way they can. Thank you so much," he urged.

Coming into the Commonwealth Games, I would say my mental is in the right spot. Iโ€™m ready mentally and physically. This training camp has been a huge boost for the athletes and has put us in a better mental space. So, yes, I would say Iโ€™m ready for the Commonwealth Games.

โ€” Favour AsheThe Nigerian sprinter expressed his confidence and readiness for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Adding to the motivation, the Nigerian government has unveiled a financial reward system for athletes who secure medals. Gold medalists will receive $3,000, silver medalists $2,000, and bronze medalists $1,500. Coaches of medal-winning athletes will also receive performance bonuses of $5,000. The Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, confirmed that camp allowances have already begun to ensure athletes remain motivated.

Nigeria is expected to field a formidable contingent in Glasgow, featuring prominent athletes such as world record holder Tobi Amusan, sprint talent Kayinsola Ajayi, shot put star Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, and para-powerlifting champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo. These athletes will compete across various disciplines including athletics, boxing, cycling, swimming, weightlifting, and para sports. The 2026 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to take place in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, bringing together approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 nations to compete in 10 sports.

I want Nigerians to support us, not just me, but every athlete representing the country. Family and friends should continue to encourage us and support us in every way they can. Thank you so much.

โ€” Favour AsheAshe appealed for national support for all athletes representing Nigeria at the Games.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.