The National Sports Commission (NSC), has introduced one of the most attractive welfare packages for Team Nigeria athletes ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Representatives are set to receive increased allowances, improved travel support, and substantial cash rewards for podium finishes. The package, approved by the NSC chairman, Shehu Dikko, is aimed at motivating athletes and officials as Nigeria prepares.
Under the new incentive scheme, each athlete will receive $200 per day throughout the competition, while coaches will earn $250 daily. This represents an increase from the $150 and $200 paid to athletes and coaches, respectively, during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The medal reward system has also been significantly improved. Athletes who win gold medals will receive an immediate cash prize of $3,000, while silver and bronze medalists will earn $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. Coaches will also receive rewards for every medal won by their athletes.
In addition, the Federal Government will pay performance bonuses directly into the bank accounts of medal winners. Gold medalists will receive an additional $5,000, silver medalists $3,000, and bronze medalists $2,000.
With both reward packages combined, a Nigerian athlete who wins a gold medal could earn up to $8,000.
To reduce the financial burden of travelling to and from camp, the NSC has approved N500,000 for each athlete and official. The amount includes N250,000 for transportation to the national camp in Abuja and another N250,000 to support early booking of return flights after the Games.
The Commission has also increased local camping allowances. Athletes will now receive N5,000 daily, while officials will earn N7,500 per day, replacing the previous allowances of between N1,000 and N2,000 daily.
Athletes and coaches also benefited from improved welfare packages during the overseas training camp, where athletes received $150 per day and coaches received $200 per day.
According to the NSC, payments under the welfare package have already been processed in most cases, while a few outstanding transactions delayed by banking issues are being resolved in collaboration with the relevant National Sports Federations.
