The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) has commenced preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with the opening of a national training camp in Abuja.

The first phase of camping began on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Package B of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, bringing together 20 athletes and four coaches as Team Nigeria intensifies its build-up to the prestigious multi-sport event.

The camp is designed to provide the nation's top weightlifters with an opportunity to improve their fitness, sharpen technical skills, and compete for places on the final squad that will represent Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games.

Among the invited athletes are several established Commonwealth and international competitors drawn from across the country.

Akwa Ibom State is represented by Nyong Ruth Asuquo, Joseph Umoafia Edidiong and Sammy Cosmos, while Oyo State has Rafiatu Afolashade Lawal, Taiwo Liadi, Mary Taiwo Osijo and Fathia Owoyele in camp.

Bayelsa State boasts the largest contingent, with Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele, Favour Omovigho Agboro, Adedapo Adeleke Opadeji, Lucky Joseph, Emmanuela Edim and Abayomi Adeyemi all receiving invitations.

Other athletes include Didih Onome Omolola and Goodnews Obodo from Lagos State, Yusuf Islamiyat from Osun State, Esther Adebola Adebayo and Goodnews Jacob from Edo State, Precious Nnenna Asadu from Kaduna State, and Marvelous Chidirim Ibe representing the Federal Capital Territory.

To oversee the programme, the federation has assembled an experienced coaching crew comprising NWF Technical Director Onubaye Sefiya Ahuoiza, alongside Ruth Odunrinde, Luke Ibeh and Young Peter Njoku.

Speaking on the commencement of the camp, NWF President Dr. Ibrahim Abdul expressed optimism about Nigeria's prospects and the quality of athletes selected for the exercise.

"This camp marks the beginning of our deliberate preparations towards the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. We have assembled some of the country's finest weightlifters and coaches, and our objective is to build a highly competitive team capable of winning medals for Nigeria," Dr. Abdul said.

"The federation remains committed to providing the athletes with the right environment and support needed to achieve success on the international stage."

According to the NWF president, the training camp will play a vital role in building a formidable squad capable of maintaining Nigeria's strong tradition in Commonwealth weightlifting.

The athletes are expected to undergo intensive technical, tactical and strength-conditioning programmes aimed at enhancing performance and preparing them for the demands of elite international competition.

With Nigeria widely regarded as one of Africa's leading weightlifting nations, expectations remain high that the camp will produce another medal-winning team capable of flying the country's flag proudly at Glasgow 2026.