NSC Raises Medal Bonuses, Instant Rewards for Team Nigeria At Commonwealth Games

NSC Raises Medal Bonuses, Instant Rewards for Team Nigeria At Commonwealth Games

By Niyi Busari 

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced an upward review of performance bonuses and instant cash rewards for Team Nigeria athletes competing at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, disclosed the revised incentive package, saying the decision was taken after a meeting with the Commission's Director General to further motivate Nigerian athletes in their quest for podium finishes.

Under the new reward structure, gold medalists will receive a total of $10,000, comprising a $5,000 instant cash reward and $5,000 paid directly into their bank accounts. Silver medalists will earn $5,000 in total, made up of $2,000 in instant cash and $3,000 paid into their accounts, while bronze medalists will receive $3,000, consisting of a $1,000 instant reward and $2,000 paid into their accounts

Dikko explained that the Commission had initially approved $8,000 for gold medal winners, with $3,000 as an instant cash reward and $5,000 to be paid into athletes' accounts. However, following his visit to Team Nigeria's camp in Aberdeen, the instant cash component for gold medalists was increased to $5,000.

"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," Dikko said.

He also confirmed that all three Nigerian athletes who won gold medals on the previous day have already received the revised $10,000 reward, contrary to earlier reports that they would receive $8,000. According to him, the two gold medalists from Saturday have equally received their $5,000 instant cash rewards, while silver medalists have been paid $2,000 each as immediate incentives.

Beyond athletes' rewards, the NSC Chairman announced a performance bonus of $5,000 for coaches whose athletes win gold medals at the Games.

He further disclosed that athletes are receiving a daily allowance of $200, while coaches are paid $250 per day throughout the competition.

Dikko added that the Commission has also introduced discretionary bonuses in exceptional circumstances, citing the on-the-spot cash reward presented to Rilwan Idris, which he said served as additional motivation before the athlete went on to upgrade a potential bronze-medal performance to gold.

The NSC said the enhanced welfare and incentive package reflects its commitment to providing the necessary support and motivation for Team Nigeria throughout the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.