By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
ABUJA – The National Sports Commission (NSC) has increased the performance bonuses and instant cash rewards for Nigerian athletes competing at the ongoing Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with gold medal winners now set to receive a total of $10,000.
NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said the enhanced reward package was approved after a meeting with the Commission’s Director General to further motivate Team Nigeria in its quest for medals.
Under the revised incentive scheme, gold medalists will receive $10,000, comprising a $5,000 instant cash reward and $5,000 paid directly into their bank accounts. Silver medalists will earn $5,000, made up of $2,000 instant cash and $3,000 paid into their accounts, while bronze medalists will receive $3,000, consisting of $1,000 instant cash and $2,000 credited to their accounts.
Dikko explained that the original package offered $8,000 for gold medal winners, with $3,000 paid instantly and $5,000 transferred later.
“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 said.
The NSC Chairman disclosed that the three Nigerian athletes who won gold medals on Friday had already received the revised $10,000 reward, contrary to earlier reports that they would receive $8,000. He added that the two gold medalists from Saturday, as well as the silver medalists, had also received their instant cash payments of $5,000 and $2,000 respectively.
Dikko also announced improved incentives for coaches, stating that any coach whose athlete wins a gold medal will receive $5,000.
He further revealed that athletes are receiving a daily allowance of $200, while coaches are paid $250 per day throughout the Games.
According to him, the Commission has also introduced special motivational rewards in exceptional circumstances, citing the cash incentive given to para powerlifter Rilwan Idris, which he said inspired the athlete to improve from a potential bronze-medal position to claim gold.
The NSC said the enhanced welfare and reward package underscores its commitment to providing adequate support and motivation for Team Nigeria throughout the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
