Commonwealth Games: NSC Disburses N200m Training Grants To 26 Athletes

Twenty-six Nigerian athletes have received a significant boost ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, as the National Sports Commission (NSC), through its Elite and Podium Board, has disbursed over ₦200 million in training grants to selected high-performing athletes.

The grants, which will cover training and preparation expenses, benefit both foreign-based and home-based athletes across various sports, including athletics, wrestling, weightlifting, and para-sports. This aligns with the Commission’s mandate to prioritise athlete welfare and high-performance development.

Dr. Mrs. Kehinde Ajayi, NSC Director of Information and Public Relations, announced the disbursement in a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja. She noted that the payment follows the establishment of the Elite and Podium Board, created to implement a scientific and institutionalised support system aimed at sustaining peak performances by Nigerian athletes at major international competitions.

Athletes in weightlifting, athletics, taekwondo, powerlifting, para table tennis, para athletics, and para badminton were chosen for the 2026 training grants after a rigorous and professional evaluation process conducted by the NSC’s Elite and Podium Board.

Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the NSC, stated that the Commission, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, was established to restore confidence and provide renewed hope for Nigerian sportsmen and women by strongly emphasising athlete welfare.

“Mr President has graciously increased our budget and given sports special financial considerations because he believes strongly in the power of sports and the potential of the Nigerian athlete. This commitment is already reflecting in improved performances and successes at international competitions,” Olopade said.

He added, “The training grants disbursed to 26 athletes across different sports followed a careful and professional selection process by the Yusuf Ali-led Elite and Podium Board. This is our way of reassuring our athletes that their welfare remains our utmost priority.”

Hon. Olopade further explained that the initiative would significantly aid athletes’ preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland and other major global competitions, including the Olympic Games.

“I often say that when we take care of our athletes, they will take care of the country by winning medals. Under the chairmanship of Mallam Shehu Dikko, the NSC will continue to explore ways to enhance athlete welfare so that they can consistently perform at their best while representing the nation,” he concluded.

This marks the second time in six months that the NSC has disbursed such payments to the country’s top elite athletes.