Nigeria has intensified preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games with plans for Team Nigeria athletes to undergo a four-week residential training camp in Scotland ahead of the competition in Glasgow.
The development was confirmed by the National Sports Commission (NSC), which said the training programme is designed to ensure athletes arrive at the Games fully acclimatised and technically prepared for competition.
According to NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade, the pre-Games camp will be hosted in Aberdeen, Scotland, a strategic location selected to enhance coordination and minimise travel-related challenges for Team Nigeria.
Olopade explained that situating the camp within the host country reflects lessons learned from previous international competitions, where late travel and logistical challenges sometimes affected athlete performance.
“Locating the camp in the host country reflects lessons from past competitions,” Olopade said, noting that early arrival will allow athletes to acclimatise and train under similar environmental conditions.
Team Nigeria is expected to arrive at the Aberdeen training base four weeks before the opening ceremony, giving athletes sufficient time for acclimatisation, technical refinement, and team bonding ahead of the Games.
The NSC boss noted that his recent visit to Scotland formed part of early planning to secure suitable accommodation and ensure a seamless transition into competition mode for athletes and officials.
He added that the Commission’s preparation strategy is focused on eliminating avoidable stress for athletes while supporting peak performance through structured planning and improved logistics.
Preparations for the Games are also being guided by recommendations from the Elite Podium Board, which emphasises international best practices in athlete preparation and competition readiness.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, featuring competitions across ten sports as athletes from across the Commonwealth compete for honours.
For Team Nigeria, the early training camp is expected to play a crucial role in building momentum and improving the country’s chances of delivering strong performances at the Games.
