Glasgow or Victoria: Where will the 2026 Commonwealth Games be hosted?
Team Nigeria is set to compete in the 2026 Commonwealth Games, which will now be hosted by Glasgow following a rescue deal agreed upon by the Scottish government.
This deal comes after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew as the original host due to escalating costs, as reported by The Guardian of the UK.
Victoria’s sudden exit in July 2023 left the future of the 2026 Games in doubt. However, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has since reached an agreement with Scottish authorities, offering nearly £100 million from the $A380 million owed by Victoria as compensation for pulling out of the event.
This financial backing has allowed Glasgow, which successfully hosted the Games in 2014, to step in as the new host city, pending formal approval from Commonwealth Games Scotland and the CGF.
The announcement was made after a Scottish cabinet meeting and discussions between Scotland’s health secretary, Neil Gray, and representatives from Commonwealth Games Australia and Commonwealth Games Scotland.
Nigeria’s athletes, who performed exceptionally well at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, are expected to compete in Glasgow.
Team Nigeria finished 7th in Birmingham, securing 35 medals, including 12 golds, 9 silvers, and 14 bronze medals. Expectations will be high for another strong performance in 2026 as they aim to continue their success on the international stage.