Wale Edun third person from right: at the commonwealth games sendoff event in Abuja.
The President of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Wale Edun, joined other dignitaries at the Presidential Villa today as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially performed the send-off ceremony for the Nigerian contingent to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Edun, who has been instrumental in the NBF’s recent administrative and technical reforms, attended the ceremony to provide direct support to the nation’s boxing athletes. His presence underscored a growing recognition of the intersection between sports and economic development.
With the global sports industry valued at over $600 billion, Edun’s dual background in finance and sports leadership is increasingly seen as a catalyst for unlocking similar economic potential in Nigeria as a report from PwC, projects the sports industry to contribute approximately $3 billion to the economy by 2026.
Under Edun’s leadership, the NBF has prioritized a merit-driven selection process, aligning with broader national strategies to improve sports governance and build institutional credibility. These efforts aim to move the industry away from the perception of sports as a non-lucrative venture, instead framing it as a vital contributor to GDP, job creation, and community development.
Nigerian Athletes poses for photo with sports officials at the presidential send-off
Nigerian Athletes poses with the Nigerian flag at the presidential send-off
The ceremony also served as a platform to unveil the official kit partnership with Puma. President Tinubu who was represented by his chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, used the occasion to charge the 74-member contingent, across 10 sports, to compete with honor and resilience as they represent Nigeria in Scotland.
“Medals are valuable, but integrity is priceless. As you wear the green and white, remember that you represent over 200 million Nigerians. Compete fairly, uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, avoid all forms of misconduct, including doping, and make the nation proud.” President Tinubu said.
The team is scheduled to depart for a three-week training camp in Aberdeen, Scotland, on Friday. The boxing squad, which has undergone rigorous preparations through both national trials and international friendlies, remains one of the country’s brightest hopes for medals at the Games, which run from July 23 to August 2.
By fostering such high-level engagement and advocating for public-private partnerships, leaders like Ex finance minister, Wale Edun are working to address systemic gaps—such as funding and infrastructure—that have historically limited the impact of Nigeria’s rich sporting culture.
