Follow Us on Google
By Joe Apu
THE National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced substantial cash rewards for Nigerian athletes who win medals at the ongoing CAA Africa U18/U20 Athletics Championships in Abeokuta.
According to Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Ajayi, Director, Press National Sports Commission (NSC) in a statement made available to Saturday Sun Sports athletes who win gold medals will receive ₦1 million, while silver and bronze medallists will earn ₦750,000 and ₦500,000 respectively.
The incentive was unveiled on Thursday during Day 2 of the championships, with NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade in attendance at the stadium.
The announcement follows a series of impressive performances from the young Nigerian athletes, which left both administrators visibly pleased. According to Dikko, the financial incentives are meant to further inspire and reward excellence.
“Look at the way our athletes have been performing—you can see the commitment and dedication in their faces,” Dikko said. “We will not stop at giving our athletes every reason to always want to compete for our great country. We will reward them for every medal they win.”
Hon. Olopade, who also chairs the Local Organising Committee for the championship, emphasized the NSC’s long-term vision for Nigerian athletics.
“We must always take care of our athletes. When we do, they take care of us by winning medals—just as they are doing here,” Olopade said. “This is about building a strong foundation for the future, including the upcoming Commonwealth and Olympic Games.”
Officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria lauded the NSC’s initiative, noting that the gesture reflects a sustained commitment to athlete development and Nigeria’s growing ambitions on the global athletics stage.
