NSC raises performance bonuses for Team Nigeria athletes

The National Sports Commission has increased performance bonuses and instant rewards for Team Nigeria athletes at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. This was reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.

Commission chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, shared that the new package was approved to motivate the athletes more after talks with the director-general.

“During a brief meeting with the Director General, we agreed to increase the athletes’ bonuses. Gold medal winners will now receive $10,000 in total, $5,000 cash instant reward and $5,000 paid directly into their account.

“Silver medallists will get $5,000 in total, $2,000 cash instantly and $3,000 paid to their account. Bronze medallists will receive $3,000 in total, $1,000 cash instant and $2,000 paid to their account,” Dikko explained.

He noted that the initial structure was $8,000 for gold, which included $3,000 cash instant and $5,000 to account, but it has now gone up. “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.

Dikko also mentioned that all three gold medallists from the Games’ opening day had already received $10,000 each. This is different from earlier reports that stated they received $8,000. The two gold medallists and the silver medallists from the second day also got their instant cash payments of $5,000 and $2,000 respectively.

On coaching incentives, Dikko said coaches would receive $5,000 if their athlete won gold. He added that athletes are on a daily allowance of $200, while coaches get $250 per day.

He also talked about a cash reward given to Rilwan Idris to help him move from a possible bronze to gold. This shows that there are special bonuses for such situations.

The Commission said this improved welfare package is part of efforts to keep Team Nigeria well supported and motivated throughout the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.