JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
*World record holder Tobi Amusan arrives in Aberdeen
With six days to go before the start of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has unveiled a comprehensive athlete welfare and incentive package for Team Nigeria, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to athlete welfare, elite performance and the rewarding of sporting excellence.
Approved under the leadership of the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon Bukola Olopade, the package introduces significant improvements in travel support, camping allowances, competition incentives and performance rewards for Team Nigeria.
For the first time, each athlete and official received N250,000 to cover flight tickets to the national camp in Abuja, replacing the previous agreement on transport fares. The Commission also approved an additional N250,000 for each athlete and official to facilitate advance booking of return flights to their respective destinations after the Games.
The Commission also approved a substantial increase in local camping allowances, increasing the daily rate from the previous N1,000-N2,000 to N5,000 for athletes and N7,500 for officials. Payments have already been made and beneficiaries are expected to have received them.
Meanwhile, 100m hurdles world record holder Tobi Amusan has arrived at Team Nigeria’s training ground in Aberdeen, Scotland, joining the final phase of preparations ahead of the Games. Amusan remains one of Nigeria’s strongest medal prospects as he looks to add another major international title to his remarkable career.
The Commission has also secured a 21-day high-performance training camp in Aberdeen, offering athletes access to world-class facilities and an environment tailored for peak performance.
The welfare improvements also extend to the overseas training camp, where athletes received $150 a day and coaches $200 a day. The Commission confirmed that payments have largely been completed, with only a few pending cases related to banking issues currently being resolved through the respective National Sports Federations.
Competition allowances have also been revised upwards for the Games. Athletes will now receive $200 per day, while coaches will receive $250 per day, which is an increase from the $150 and $200 paid respectively during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
In addition to the financial support, Team Nigeria athletes were equipped with updated PUMA competition apparel comprising around 20 items, including premium suitcases and two durable travel boxes, marking a significant improvement over previous editions.
To further boost podium performances, the federal government has approved an improved medal reward structure. Gold medalists will receive an immediate cash reward of $3,000, silver medalists $2,000 and bronze medalists $1,000. Their coaches will also receive corresponding rewards.
Additionally, medal-winning athletes will receive separate performance bonuses paid directly into their bank accounts, with $5,000 for gold, $3,000 for silver and $2,000 for bronze.
As part of national recognition for outstanding performances, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to host the medal winners of the Nigerian team after the Games in appreciation for their achievements and service to the country.
The historic welfare package underlines the Federal Government’s resolve to place athletes at the center of sports development, reward excellence and provide Nigerian athletes with the support needed to compete successfully on the Commonwealth stage.
