NSC Increases Performance Bonus and Instant Rewards for Team Nigeria at Commonwealth Games

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced an upward review of performance bonuses and instant rewards for Nigerian athletes competing at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Speaking on the development, NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said the new package was approved to further motivate Team Nigeria.

“During a brief meeting with the Director General, we agreed to increase the athletes’ bonuses,” Dikko said.

“Gold medal winners will now receive $10,000 in total ($5,000 cash instant reward and $5,000) paid directly into their account. Silver medalists will get $5,000 in total, comprising of $2,000 cash instantly and $3,000 paid to their account while Bronze medalists will receive $3,000, made up of, $1,000 cash instant and $2,000 paid to their account.”

He noted that the initial structure was $8,000 for gold — $3,000 cash instant and $5,000 to account.

“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 added.

According to Dikko, all three gold medalists from yesterday have already received $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.

On coaching incentives, Dikko disclosed that coaches will receive $5,000 if their athlete wins gold.

He further revealed that athletes are on a daily allowance of $200, while coaches receive $250 per day.

“There are also special bonuses under special circumstances,” Dikko said, citing the on-the-spot cash reward given to Rilwan Idris yesterday to motivate him from a potential bronze position to gold.

The NSC says the enhanced welfare package is part of efforts to ensure Team Nigeria is fully supported and motivated throughout the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Onikeku Backs Team Nigeria For Athletics Glory At Commonwealth Games

..Tips team to surprise the world

By Ohis Asein

Director of Sports of the Nigeria Customs Service and Board Member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Mr. Samuel Onikeku, has expressed confidence in Team Nigeria’s athletics contingent ahead of the start of track and field events at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Monday, July 27.

Speaking exclusively to FAKS MEDIA on Saturday, Onikeku said the quality of athletes representing Nigeria, coupled with the unprecedented support and motivation from the National Sports Commission (NSC), has positioned the country for an impressive outing.

According to him, the leadership of the NSC, under Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, has created the right atmosphere for the athletes to excel on the international stage.

“I believe these athletes will surprise the world. The level of support and motivation they have received has been exceptional, and that gives them the confidence to perform at their best,” Onikeku said.

He highlighted Nigeria’s strength in the sprints, noting that having four sub-10-second men’s 100m sprinters is a major advantage at a championship of this magnitude.

“As a country, when you have four sub-10-second sprinters going into a competition like this, the 4X100m men’s team should break the national record now with the 4 sub 10” he added.

The athletics administrator also praised the depth of talent in the Nigerian team, mentioning world record holder Tobi Amusan, rising sprint sensation Favour Ashe, 400m star Samuel Ogazi, and experienced sprinter Rosemary Chukwuma among the athletes capable of winning medals.

“We have Tobi Amusan, who is a world record holder, Samuel Ogazi, who is one of the best in the world right now, Favour Ashe is back again, Rosemary Chukwuma, and many other outstanding athletes. I can go on and on.
The athletes selected for the Commonwealth Games are the very best Nigeria has at the moment, and I am confident they will make the nation proud.”

Team Nigeria will begin its athletics campaign on Monday as medal events get underway at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games