NSC unveils improved incentives as Team Nigeria eyes Glasgow 2026 success

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has rolled out one of the most attractive welfare packages ever offered to Team Nigeria athletes ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with competitors set to receive higher allowances, improved travel support and substantial cash rewards for podium finishes.

The package, approved by the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, is designed to motivate athletes and officials as Nigeria prepares for the Games.

Under the new incentive scheme, every athlete will earn $200 per day throughout the competition, while coaches will receive $250 daily, an increase from the $150 and $200 paid respectively during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The reward system for medal winners has also been significantly enhanced. Athletes who win gold medals will receive an immediate $3,000 cash prize, while silver and bronze medalists will earn $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. Coaches will also be rewarded for every medal won by their athletes.

In addition, the Federal Government will pay performance bonuses directly into the bank accounts of medalists.

Gold medalists will receive an extra $5,000, silver medalists $3,000, and bronze medalists $2,000.

With both incentives combined, a Nigerian athlete who wins a gold medal stands to earn up to $8,000.

To ease the financial burden of travelling to and from camp, the NSC has approved ₦500,000 for every athlete and official.

The amount comprises ₦250,000 for transportation to the national camp in Abuja and another ₦250,000 to facilitate the early booking of return flights after the Games.

The Commission has also reviewed upward the local camping allowances. Athletes will now receive ₦5,000 daily, while officials will earn ₦7,500 per day, replacing the previous ₦1,000 to ₦2,000 daily allowance.

Athletes and coaches also benefited from improved welfare during the overseas training camp, where competitors received $150 per day and coaches $200 per day.

According to the NSC, payments under the welfare package have already been processed in most cases, with only a few outstanding transactions delayed by banking issues, which are being resolved in collaboration with the relevant National Sports Federations.

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