The National Sports Commission has announced an upward review of performance bonuses and instant cash rewards for Team Nigeria athletes competing at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said the revised reward structure was approved to further motivate the Nigerian contingent following discussions with the commission’s Director-General.
Under the new package, gold medallists will receive $10,000 in total, comprising a $5,000 instant cash reward and another $5,000 paid directly into their accounts.
Silver medallists will receive $5,000, with $2,000 paid instantly and $3,000 transferred to their accounts, while bronze medallists will earn $3,000, consisting of $1,000 in instant cash and $2,000 paid into their accounts.
Dikko explained that the initial package for gold medallists was $8,000, made up of $3,000 in instant cash and $5,000 paid into their accounts. He said the instant reward was increased to $5,000 following his meeting with the team in Aberdeen.
“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.
The NSC chairman disclosed that the three gold medallists from the opening day of competition had already received the revised $10,000 reward each, contrary to earlier reports that they were entitled to $8,000.
He added that the two gold medallists and silver medallists from the second day of competition had also received their instant cash payments of $5,000 and $2,000, respectively.
Dikko further revealed that coaches would receive $5,000 when their athletes win gold medals, while athletes are entitled to a daily allowance of $200 and coaches receive $250 per day.
He also highlighted a special on-the-spot cash reward presented to Rilwan Idris as an incentive to inspire him to push for gold after being in contention for a bronze medal.
The commission said the enhanced welfare and reward package was part of its efforts to ensure Team Nigeria athletes and officials remain fully supported and motivated throughout the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
