The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced an upward review of performance bonuses and instant cash rewards for Nigerian athletes competing at the ongoing Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.
NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said the enhanced reward package was approved after a meeting with the Commission’s Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, to further motivate Team Nigeria.
According to Dikko, gold medalists will now receive a total of $10,000, comprising $5,000 as an instant cash reward and $5,000 paid directly into their bank accounts. Silver medalists will receive $5,000 in total, made up of $2,000 in instant cash and $3,000 paid into their accounts, while bronze medalists will earn $3,000, consisting of $1,000 in instant cash and $2,000 paid into their accounts.
He explained that the previous reward structure provided $8,000 for gold medal winners, with $3,000 paid instantly and $5,000 transferred to their accounts.
“After meeting the team in Aberdeen, I decided to increase the instant cash reward for gold medal winners from $3,000 to $5,000 as additional motivation for all our athletes,” Dikko said.
The NSC chairman also disclosed that all three gold medalists from the previous day’s events 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 the latest events, as well as the silver medalists, had also received their respective instant cash rewards.
Dikko further announced that coaches whose athletes win gold medals will receive a $5,000 bonus. He added that athletes are entitled to a daily allowance of $200, while coaches receive $250 per day throughout the Games.
He also revealed that the commission has made provision for special performance incentives, citing the on-the-spot cash reward presented to Rilwan Idris, which he said inspired the athlete to improve from a potential bronze-medal position to win gold.
The NSC said the enhanced welfare package reflects its commitment to ensuring Team Nigeria remains well-motivated and fully supported throughout the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
