CWG: NSC raises athlete benefits as Amusan storms camp

Team Nigeria has received a major morale boost ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with the National Sports Commission (NSC) unveiling an enhanced welfare and incentive package aimed at ensuring the country’s athletes compete under improved conditions.

The package, approved by the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, introduces significant improvements in travel support, camping allowances, competition incentives and medal rewards as the countdown to the Games enters its final six days.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Commission’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr. Kehinde Ajayi, the NSC said the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to athlete welfare, elite performance and rewarding sporting excellence.

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. An additional N250,000 has also been approved to enable athletes and officials book return flights to their respective destinations after the Games.

The Commission also approved a substantial increase in local camping allowances, with athletes now earning N5,000 daily, up from between N1,000 and N2,000, while officials will receive N7,500 per day. According to the NSC, the payments have already been made.

In another boost to Team Nigeria’s preparations, world 100m hurdles record holder Tobi Amusan has arrived at the team’s training camp in Aberdeen, Scotland, joining the final phase of preparations. Amusan is regarded as one of Nigeria’s brightest medal prospects at the Games.

The NSC also secured a 21-day high-performance training camp in Aberdeen, providing athletes with access to world-class facilities and an environment designed to optimise performance.

Athletes attending the overseas training camp received $150 per day, while coaches earned $200 daily. The Commission said payments have largely been completed, with only a few outstanding cases delayed by banking issues currently being addressed through the respective National Sports Federations.

Competition allowances have also been reviewed upward, with athletes set to receive $200 per day during the Games, while coaches will earn $250 daily, an improvement on the rates 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 for each athlete.

To encourage podium finishes, the Federal Government approved an enhanced medal reward package. Gold medal winners will receive an instant cash reward of $3,000, silver medalists $2,000, and bronze medalists $1,000, while their coaches will receive matching rewards.

In addition, medal-winning athletes will earn separate performance bonuses of $5,000 for gold, $3,000 for silver and $2,000 for bronze, to be paid directly into their bank accounts.

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 achievements.

According to the NSC, the comprehensive welfare package demonstrates the Federal Government’s determination to prioritise athlete welfare, reward excellence and provide Nigerian athletes with the necessary support to excel at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.