By Victor Okoye
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has partnered with What Network to provide free-to-air broadcast of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, for Nigerians.
The Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, said this on Friday during a news conference at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Olopade said the partnership would enable millions of Nigerians to watch Team Nigeria compete live through the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Television Continental (TVC) and other interested terrestrial television stations.
He added that the Games would also be streamed live on NSC TV on YouTube and What Network’s digital platforms to ensure wider access for Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at bringing Team Nigeria closer to the people while promoting sports as a viable economic sector.
“Recognising the importance of bringing the Games into every Nigerian home, the National Sports Commission has partnered with What Network to deliver free-to-air coverage of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“Through this collaboration, every Nigerian will be able to follow Team Nigeria’s journey live and free, celebrating the dedication of our athletes and inspiring the next generation of sporting champions,” he said.
Olopade said coverage would commence with the opening ceremony on July 23 and continue throughout the Games.
He added that viewers would also enjoy a daily two-hour highlights programme featuring medal-winning performances, athlete interviews and behind-the-scenes reports.
The NSC boss said the project would increase the visibility of Nigerian athletes and create opportunities for sponsorship, endorsements and investment in the country’s sports industry.
“We don’t care what it will cost. The important thing is that Nigerians, whether they are at home or abroad, should be able to watch and support our athletes live.
“When people watch sports, they become emotionally connected to the athletes, and that creates opportunities for sponsorships, endorsements and wealth creation.
“Sports must become an industry that creates value for everyone within the ecosystem,” he said.
Olopade urged Team Nigeria athletes to target outstanding performances and world records at the Games as part of preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games.
The NSC DG urged the athletes to compete with confidence and aim beyond winning medals.
“I have told the athletes to go out there and compete for Nigeria. They should not just aim to win medals; they should aim to break world records.
“This is another step in our preparation towards the 2028 Olympic Games,” he said.
He also called on the media to support the commission’s efforts to strengthen the domestic sports industry and improve the commercial value of Nigerian sports.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Top Tier Sports Management and representative of What Network, Chichi Nwoko, said the broadcast arrangement was designed to ensure unrestricted access to Team Nigeria’s performances.
“We don’t want Nigerians to worry about subscriptions.
“Through our partnership with the NSC and NTA, the entire country will have access to Team Nigeria’s performances,” she said.
Nwoko said the network would also collaborate with TVC to air highlights while providing real-time updates, short videos and other digital content through NSC TV and What Network’s online platforms.
She urged journalists to partner with the network in promoting Team Nigeria’s achievements, adding that broadcast-ready highlight clips would be made available to media organisations.
Meanwhile, Team Nigeria athletes have assured Nigerians of impressive performances at the Games in Scotland.
Speaking on behalf of the athletes, world 100 metres silver medallist Kanyinsola Ajayi said Team Nigeria was fully prepared to compete and make the country proud.
“We are going there to give our best. Nigerians should expect exciting and elite performances from us.
“It is going to be fun, and we hope everyone will support us and follow our journey. We are ready to make the country proud,” Ajayi said.
Another athlete, Miracle Ezechukwu, lauded the NSC for its support towards the team’s preparations.
“We sincerely appreciate the efforts and support the NSC has given us.
“It means a lot to us as athletes, and we are grateful,” she said.
The news conference also featured the unveiling of plans by the NSC and What Network to provide free-to-air television and digital coverage of the Games for Nigerians. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne