$10,000 for gold medal as NSC raises cash rewards for Nigerian athletes at Glasgow games

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced an increase in performance bonuses and instant cash rewards for Team Nigeria athletes competing at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

The revised incentive package, unveiled on Saturday, is aimed at boosting the morale of the country’s athletes as they strive for podium finishes at the multi-sport event.

The announcement was made in a statement by the NSC’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Kehinde Ajayi, who quoted the Commission’s Chairman, Shehu Dikko, as explaining that the enhanced rewards were approved to further encourage the Nigerian contingent.

Under the new package, athletes who win gold medals will receive 10,000 dollars, made up of 5,000 dollars in immediate cash and another 5,000 dollars to be paid into their personal bank accounts.

Silver medallists will earn 5,000 dollars, consisting of 2,000 dollars as instant cash and 3,000 dollars through bank payment, while bronze winners will receive 3,000 dollars, with 1,000 dollars paid immediately and 2,000 dollars transferred to their accounts.

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Before the adjustment, gold medallists were entitled to 8,000 dollars, comprising 3,000 dollars in instant cash and 5,000 dollars paid into their bank accounts.

Explaining the reason for the upward review, Dikko said:“After meeting the team in Aberdeen, I decided to increase the instant cash reward to 5,000 dollars as added motivation for all gold medal hopefuls.”

He also clarified reports regarding payments already made to medal winners.

“The three gold medallists who won their events on Friday had already received 10,000 dollars each, contrary to earlier reports that they received 8,000 dollars.”

Dikko further disclosed that athletes who secured medals on Saturday had also begun receiving their revised cash rewards.

“The two gold medallists from Saturday and the silver medallists have also received their instant cash payments of 5,000 dollars and 2,000 dollars, respectively,” Dikko said.

The NSC chairman added that coaches would also benefit from the improved incentive scheme, stating that any coach whose athlete wins a gold medal would receive 5,000 dollars.

He noted that athletes are entitled to a 200-dollar daily allowance, while coaches receive 250 dollars per day throughout the competition.

Dikko also revealed that the commission had introduced special discretionary rewards to inspire exceptional performances.

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

According to the commission, the enhanced reward structure underscores its commitment to providing adequate welfare and motivation for Team Nigeria throughout the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.