The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced an upward review of performance bonuses and instant cash rewards for Team Nigeria athletes competing at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko disclosed the revised incentive package, saying the decision was taken after a meeting with the commission’s director general to further motivate Nigerian athletes and encourage them to deliver strong performances at the Games.
The NSC chairman disclosed the new incentive structure, saying gold medalists would now receive a total of $10,000, comprising $5,000 in instant cash and another $5,000 paid directly into their bank accounts.
Silver medalists will receive $5,000, made up of $2,000 in instant cash and $3,000 paid into their accounts, while bronze medalists will receive $3,000, comprising $1,000 cash instantly and $2,000 paid into their accounts.
Dikko said the initial package had provided $8,000 for gold medalists, with $3,000 paid instantly and $5,000 transferred to the athlete’s account.
However, following his meeting with Team Nigeria in Aberdeen, the NSC chairman said he decided to increase the immediate cash component for gold medalists to $5,000.
“During a brief meeting with the director general, we agreed to increase the athletes’ bonuses,” Dikko said.
“After meeting the team in Aberdeen, I decided to increase the instant cash reward to $5,000 as added motivation for all gold medal hopefuls.”
The NSC chairman also clarified that Nigeria’s three gold medalists from Friday had already received the revised $10,000 reward each, rather than the previously reported $8,000.
He added that the two athletes who won gold on Saturday, as well as the silver medalists, had also received their instant cash rewards of $5,000 and $2,000, respectively.
Dikko further announced a special incentive for coaches, saying any coach whose athlete wins a gold medal will receive $5,000.
He disclosed that athletes representing Nigeria at the Games are also receiving a daily allowance of $200, while coaches are entitled to $250 per day.
According to him, the Commission has also introduced special bonuses in circumstances where additional motivation is considered necessary.
Dikko cited the example of para powerlifter Rilwan Idris, who received an on-the-spot cash reward during Friday’s competition as an incentive to push for a gold medal after being in contention for bronze.
The NSC chairman said the decision was aimed at providing immediate motivation to athletes when required and ensuring that Team Nigeria remains focused on achieving its objectives in Glasgow.
The Commission said the enhanced financial incentives form part of a broader welfare package designed to ensure that Nigerian athletes and officials are adequately supported throughout the Commonwealth Games.
Team Nigeria has made a strong start to its Glasgow 2026 campaign, with the country’s athletes already producing gold medals and record-breaking performances in the opening days of competition.
The NSC said it would continue to provide the necessary support and motivation as the Games progress.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
