NSC Unveils Enhanced Welfare Package For Team Nigeria Ahead Of Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

With just six days remaining before the start of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced a comprehensive welfare and incentive package for Team Nigeria, underlining the Federal Government’s commitment to improving athlete welfare, rewarding excellence and strengthening the country’s medal prospects.

The package, approved by the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, introduces significant improvements to travel support, camping allowances, competition payments and medal rewards for Nigerian athletes and officials.

In a major departure from previous arrangements, every athlete and official has received ₦250,000 to cover travel expenses to the national training camp in Abuja, replacing the former transport fare system. An additional ₦250,000 has also been approved for each member of the contingent to facilitate the early booking of return flights after the Games.

The Commission has also substantially increased local camping allowances, with athletes now receiving ₦5,000 per day, up from the previous ₦1,000–₦2,000, while officials will receive ₦7,500 per day. According to the NSC, the payments have already been processed and beneficiaries are expected to have received them.

Boosting Team Nigeria’s preparations further, reigning world 100m hurdles record holder Tobi Amusan has arrived at the team’s high-performance training camp in Aberdeen, Scotland. Amusan, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s brightest medal hopes, joins the squad for the final phase of preparations ahead of the Games.

The Commission secured a 21-day high-performance training camp in Aberdeen, providing athletes with access to world-class facilities and an environment designed to maximise performance before competition begins.

Athletes attending the overseas camp have been receiving 150 US dollars per day, while coaches receive 200 US dollars per day. The NSC said the payments have largely been completed, with only a few outstanding cases caused by banking issues, which are being resolved through the relevant National Sports Federations.

Competition allowances have also been reviewed upwards. During the Glasgow Games, athletes will receive 200 US dollars per day, while coaches will receive 250 US dollars per day, representing an increase from the 150 US dollars and 200 US dollars respectively paid at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

In addition to improved financial support, Team Nigeria has been equipped with upgraded PUMA competition kits, featuring around 20 items, including premium luggage and two durable travel boxes for each athlete and official.

To further encourage podium finishes, the Federal Government has approved an enhanced medal reward scheme. Gold medallists will receive an immediate cash reward of 3,000 US dollars, silver medallists 2,000 US dollars, and bronze medallists 1,000 US dollars, while their coaches will receive matching rewards.

Medal winners will also benefit from separate performance bonuses paid directly into their bank accounts, with 5,000 US dollars for gold, 3,000 US dollars for silver and 2,000 US dollars for bronze.

As part of the planned national recognition for outstanding performances, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to host Team Nigeria’s medal winners after the Games in appreciation of their achievements and service to the nation.

The NSC said the enhanced welfare package reflects the Federal Government’s determination to place athletes at the centre of sports development by providing improved support, rewarding excellence and creating the conditions for Team Nigeria to compete successfully at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.