By Andrew Abah, Abuja
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced an upward review of performance bonuses and instant rewards for Nigerian athletes competing at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Speaking on the development, NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said the new package was approved to further motivate Team Nigeria.
“During a brief meeting with the Director General, we agreed to increase the athletes’ bonuses,” Dikko said.
“Gold medal winners will now receive $10,000 in total — $5,000 cash instant reward and $5,000 paid directly into their account. Silver medalists will get $5,000 in total — $2,000 cash instantly and $3,000 paid to their account. Bronze medalists will receive $3,000 in total — $1,000 cash instant and $2,000 paid to their account.”
He noted that the initial structure was $8,000 for gold — $3,000 cash instant and $5,000 to account.
“After meeting the team in Aberdeen, I decided to increase the instant cash reward to $5,000 as added motivation for all gold medal hopefuls,” he added.
According to Dikko, all three gold medalists from yesterday have already received $10,000 each, contrary to earlier reports of $8,000. The two gold medalists from today and the silver medalists have also received their instant cash payments of $5,000 and $2,000 respectively.
On coaching incentives, Dikko disclosed that coaches will receive $5,000 if their athlete wins gold.
He further revealed that athletes are on a daily allowance of $200, while coaches receive $250 per day.
“There are also special bonuses under special circumstances,” Dikko said, citing the on-the-spot cash reward given to Rilwan Idris yesterday to motivate him from a potential bronze position to gold.
The NSC says the enhanced welfare package is part of efforts to ensure Team Nigeria is fully supported and motivated throughout the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
