By Tayo Ogunseye
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has released approximately ₦300 million in quarterly training grants to more than 31 elite Nigerian athletes as part of efforts to boost the country’s preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The latest disbursement brings to five the number of payments made since the introduction of the quarterly training grants scheme in 2025 through the NSC’s Elite and Podium Board. It is also the third disbursement in 2026.
The Commission disclosed that more than ₦1 billion has now been invested in training grants for Nigerian elite athletes over the past two years.
Under the initiative, eligible athletes receive quarterly grants of $10,000, $5,000 and $3,000, depending on their performances and qualification under the scientific performance indicators established by the Elite and Podium Board.
The scheme has been widely applauded by some of Nigeria’s top athletes, who believe the consistent financial support has significantly improved their preparations for international competitions.
NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said the latest disbursement demonstrated the Commission’s determination to prioritise athletes’ welfare as a foundation for achieving sustainable success at international competitions.
“There are no accidental successes in sports. This is why the Commission has prioritised the welfare and wellbeing of our athletes as a critical part of our strategy for scientific podium success,” Olopade said.
He noted that the training grants were part of the key directives given to the Commission’s leadership by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that Nigerian athletes receive adequate financial support for their preparations.
“I am particularly glad that we have been able to institute this athletes’ training grants policy because it is one of the core mandates Mr President gave to Mallam Shehu Dikko and me, to ensure that we put money in the pockets of Nigerian athletes and prepare them adequately for international competitions like the Olympics,” he said.
Olopade maintained that providing adequate support for athletes would enable them to focus on their training and represent the country with pride.
“We can only get the best out of our athletes when we take care of them properly. By doing so, they will wear the Green and White of our country with pride and dignity. This is why Mr President has continued to support every policy we have introduced to revamp the sports sector,” he added.
The NSC Director General further emphasised that the financial assistance would help athletes avoid distractions arising from uncertainty over their training expenses.
“Our athletes need this money to stay focused on their training so they are not distracted in their preparations for major competitions. And we must not forget that when we take care of our athletes, they will take care of the country with medals,” Olopade stated.
The Commission said the impact of its sustained investment in elite sports development was reflected in Nigeria’s recent performances at international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where the country emerged as Africa’s leading nation.
The achievements of Samuel Ogazi and Nathaniel Ezekiel, who broke world records, were also cited as evidence of the benefits of consistent investment in athletes.
Nigeria’s impressive outing at the 2025 Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia was another indication of the importance of sustained support as the country intensifies preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The NSC reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the quarterly grants programme as a major pillar of its strategy to improve athletes’ welfare, strengthen Nigeria’s elite sports system and enhance the country’s competitiveness at major international competitions.
