ANOCA hails NOC, Gumel over Glasgow 2026 performance

ANOCA hails NOC, Gumel over Glasgow 2026 performance

The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) has congratulated the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), its leadership, athletes, coaches and other stakeholders following Nigeria's impressive performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

In a letter addressed to the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, ANOCA President Honourable Mustapha Berraf expressed the organisation's pride in Nigeria's performance at the Games, which were held from July 23 to August 2, 2026.

Team Nigeria finished the competition with 24 medals — 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze — emerging as Africa's highest-ranked nation and placing seventh overall on the final medal table.

In the letter, Berraf described the performance as a reflection of the excellence and vibrancy of Nigerian sport, while commending the work of the athletes, coaches and sports administrators who contributed to the country's success.

According to the ANOCA President, the achievements in Glasgow were the product of rigorous work, clear vision and unwavering commitment to the promotion of sport in Nigeria.

He noted that Nigeria's performance had significance beyond the country's borders, saying the results resonated across the African continent and further demonstrated the growing influence of African nations on the global sporting stage.

The ANOCA President also highlighted the inspirational value of Nigeria's athletes to young people across Africa, describing them as models of determination, discipline and excellence.

A Vote of Confidence in the NOC

Perhaps more significant was ANOCA's reaffirmation of its full support for Engr. Habu Gumel and the Nigeria Olympic Committee as the country seeks to sustain the momentum achieved in Glasgow.

Berraf expressed the hope that the progress recorded at the Commonwealth Games would be maintained at upcoming continental and international sporting events.

The letter represents a strong vote of confidence in the Nigerian Olympic movement at a time when the country's sports administration is increasingly being challenged to translate international successes into a sustainable system of athlete development.

For Nigeria, the Glasgow performance was particularly notable because the country competed in a reduced programme compared with previous Commonwealth Games. Despite that limitation, Team Nigeria still finished as Africa's best-performing nation.

More Than Just Medals

While the 24-medal haul is undoubtedly significant, the message from ANOCA goes beyond the medal table.

It is an acknowledgement that Nigerian athletes remain capable of competing at the highest level when preparation, organisation and support come together.

The challenge now is for the NOC, the National Sports Commission, federations and other stakeholders to ensure that the Glasgow success is not treated as an isolated achievement.

Nigeria must build on it.

The country's athletes have once again demonstrated that the talent exists. The responsibility of the sports system is to create the environment in which that talent can consistently flourish.

For Engr. Habu Gumel and the NOC, the ANOCA commendation provides both recognition and a fresh responsibility: to sustain the momentum, strengthen the Olympic movement and ensure that Nigeria's success in Glasgow becomes the foundation for even greater performances at future continental and international competitions.

Glasgow may be over, but the message from ANOCA is clear — Nigeria has shown what is possible. Now, the task is to build on it.