The National Sports Commission (NSC) has unveiled a comprehensive welfare and incentive package for Team Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The package, approved by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, introduces improved travel support, camping allowances, competition incentives and performance rewards for athletes and officials.
Under the new arrangement, every athlete and official received N250,000 to cover flight tickets to the national camp in Abuja, replacing the previous transport fare system.
The Commission also approved another N250,000 for each athlete and official to facilitate early booking of return flights after the Games.
Local camping allowances were also increased, with athletes now receiving N5,000 per day, up from the previous N1,000 to N2,000, while officials will receive N7,500 daily.
According to the Commission, the payments have already been made to beneficiaries.
The welfare package also covers the team’s 21-day high-performance training camp in Aberdeen, Scotland, where athletes have access to world-class training facilities ahead of the Games.
Meanwhile, women’s 100 metres hurdles world record holder Tobi Amusan has arrived at the training camp in Aberdeen to join the final phase of preparations.
She is regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading medal prospects for the Games.
Athletes participating in the overseas camp received 150 dollars per day, while coaches received 200 dollars per day.
The Commission said most of the payments had been completed, with only a few outstanding cases linked to banking issues being resolved through the relevant National Sports Federations.
Competition allowances have also been reviewed upward.
Athletes will receive 200 dollars per day during the Games, while coaches will receive 250 dollars per day, an increase from the 150 dollars and 200 dollars respectively paid at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Team Nigeria has also been equipped with upgraded PUMA competition kits comprising about 20 items, including premium luggage and two durable travel boxes.
To encourage podium finishes, the Federal Government approved a new medal reward structure.
Gold medal winners will receive an instant cash reward of 3,000 dollars, silver medallists 2,000 dollars, and bronze medallists 1,000 dollars. Their coaches will receive corresponding rewards.
In addition, medal-winning athletes will receive separate performance bonuses paid directly into their bank accounts, with 5,000 dollars for gold, 3,000 dollars for silver and 2,000 dollars for bronze.
The Commission also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to host Team Nigeria’s medal winners after the Games in recognition of their performances and service to the country.
The Commonwealth Games will begin in Glasgow in six days.
