NSC Partners What Network for Free Broadcast of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has partnered with What Network to provide free-to-air television coverage of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, for Nigerians.

The Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, announced the partnership on Friday during a news conference at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Olopade said the collaboration would allow 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 via YouTube and What Network’s digital platforms, ensuring access for Nigerians both at home and abroad.

According to him, the initiative is designed to bring 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 live coverage would begin with the opening ceremony on July 23 and continue throughout the competition.

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 initiative would boost the visibility of Nigerian athletes while creating opportunities for sponsorships, endorsements and investment in the sports industry.

“We don’t care what it will cost. The important thing is that Nigerians, whether 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, creating opportunities for sponsorships, endorsements and wealth creation. Sports must become an industry that creates value for everyone,” he said.

Olopade also challenged Team Nigeria athletes to pursue outstanding performances and world records as part of preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games.

“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,” he said.

He urged the media to support efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s sports industry and increase its commercial value.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Top Tier Sports Management and representative of What Network, Chichi Nwoko, said the partnership would 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 added that TVC would air highlights, while NSC TV and What Network would provide real-time updates, short videos and other digital content.

She encouraged journalists to collaborate in promoting Team Nigeria’s achievements, noting that broadcast-ready highlight clips would be made available to media organisations.

Speaking on behalf of Team Nigeria, world 100 metres silver medallist Kanyinsola Ajayi assured Nigerians that the athletes were fully prepared to deliver impressive performances in Glasgow.

“We are going there to give our best. Nigerians should expect exciting and elite performances from us. We are ready to make the country proud,” Ajayi said.

Another athlete, Miracle Ezechukwu, thanked the NSC for its support in preparing the team for the Games.