… as Tobi Amusan arrives Aberdeen
The Federal Government has approved an enhanced welfare and incentive package for Team Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with six days to the start of the competition.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) announced the package on Friday, saying it reflects the government’s commitment to improving athlete welfare, boosting performance and rewarding sporting excellence.
Approved by the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, the package includes increased travel support, higher camping and competition allowances, improved training facilities and enhanced cash rewards for medal winners.
Travel support and higher allowances
For the first time, every athlete and official received N250,000 to cover air travel to the national camp in Abuja, replacing the previous transport fare arrangement.
The Commission also approved an additional N250,000 for each athlete and official to facilitate the early booking of return flights after the Games.
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Local camping allowances have also been increased significantly. Athletes will now receive N5,000 per day, while officials will earn N7,500 per day, replacing the previous daily rates of between N1,000 and N2,000.
According to the NSC, the payments have already been made to beneficiaries.
Overseas training camp
The Commission secured a 21-day high-performance training camp in Aberdeen, Scotland, providing Team Nigeria with access to world-class facilities ahead of the Games.
Athletes at the overseas camp received $150 per day, while coaches were paid $200 per day.
The Commission said most payments had been completed, with only a few outstanding cases linked to banking issues being resolved through the relevant National Sports Federations.
Competition allowances and improved kits
Competition allowances have also been reviewed upward compared to the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Athletes will receive $200 per day, while coaches will earn $250 per day during the competition.
Team Nigeria has also been provided with upgraded PUMA competition kits comprising about 20 items, including premium luggage and two durable travel boxes.
Enhanced medal rewards
The Federal Government has approved a new reward structure for medal winners at the Games.
Athletes who win gold medals will receive an instant cash reward of $3,000, while silver and bronze medallists will earn $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. Their coaches will receive corresponding rewards.
In addition, medal winners will receive separate performance bonuses paid directly into their bank accounts:
Gold: $5,000
Silver: $3,000
Bronze: $2,000
Amusan joins Team Nigeria camp
Meanwhile, world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, has arrived at Team Nigeria’s training camp in Aberdeen to join the final phase of preparations.
Amusan is regarded as one of Nigeria’s strongest medal prospects as she targets another major international title.
Presidential reception planned
The NSC said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to host Team Nigeria’s medal winners after the Games in recognition of their performances.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 2 August, with a streamlined programme featuring 10 sports across four competition venues. Nigeria is expected to compete in athletics, wrestling, boxing, para-sports, weightlifting and several other medal events.
