AFN Performance Director Says Glasgow 2026 Marks Beginning of New Era for Nigerian Sports
Nigeria’s historic performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow has been described as the beginning of a new era for the nation’s sports development, with AFN Performance Director and Athletes Liaison, Victor Okorie, a former Nigerian track and field international, insisting the achievement should serve as a springboard towards greater success at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Okorie, who won the silver medal in the men’s 400m hurdles at the 2003 African Games, remains one of Nigeria’s finest one-lap barrier runners. He is among only 14 Nigerians to have broken the 50-second barrier in the event and is the fifth-fastest Nigerian in history over the distance, bringing a wealth of elite competitive experience to his current role in athlete development and high-performance management.
Reacting to Team Nigeria’s record-breaking outing, Okorie said the country’s achievement went beyond the number of medals won, noting that the team excelled despite competing in a significantly reduced Games programme.
“Today, we are not just celebrating medals; we are celebrating a defining moment in the history of Nigerian sports,” Okorie said. “Glasgow 2026 will go down as Nigeria’s finest outing in Commonwealth Games history. What makes this achievement truly exceptional is not just the number of medals won, but the circumstances under which they were won.”
