NSC Boosts Commonwealth Games Medal Payouts

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has significantly increased performance bonuses and instant cash rewards for Nigerian athletes competing at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, in a move aimed at sustaining momentum and boosting morale across Team Nigeria.

Under the revised package, approved during a brief meeting between NSC leadership and the Director General, gold medalists will now receive a total of $10,000—comprising $5,000 in instant cash presented on the podium and an additional $5,000 paid directly into their bank accounts.

Silver medalists are entitled to $5,000 total ($2,000 cash instantly, $3,000 via transfer), while bronze medalists will receive $3,000 ($1,000 cash, $2,000 bank transfer).

The new structure represents an upward revision from the initial plan, which offered $8,000 for gold ($3,000 cash and $5,000 transfer). According to Mallam Shehu Dikko, who announced the changes through a statement signed by Mrs. Kehinde Ajayi, Director of Information and PR, the adjustment came after on-the-ground consultations with athletes in Aberdeen.

“I decided to increase the instant cash reward to $5,000 as added motivation for all gold medal hopefuls,” Dikko explained.

The NSC confirmed that all three gold medalists from yesterday have already received the full $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.

Beyond athlete bonuses, the commission extended incentives to coaching staff. Coaches will now receive $5,000 for every athlete that wins gold under their guidance. Additionally, athletes are on a daily allowance of $200, while coaches receive $250 per day during the Games.

The NSC also highlighted the provision of special discretionary bonuses for exceptional circumstances. A notable example came yesterday when heavyweight lifter Rilwan Idris received an on-the-spot cash reward to push him from a potential bronze position to gold—netting him $15,000 in total when combined with the standard $10,000 bonus and his $5,000 bank transfer.

The commission described the enhanced welfare package as part of a broader strategy to ensure Team Nigeria is fully supported, motivated, and competitive throughout the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.