By Wale Joseph
In an effort to present outstanding and competitive athletes for the forthcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the sum of N200 million has been disbursed to 26 athletes.
The National Sports Commission (NSC), through its Elite and Podium Board, disbursed the training grants totalling over ₦200 million to select top-performing athletes.
The athletes were drawn from both foreign-based and home-based categories. The grants will cover the beneficiaries’ training and other preparation expenses.
The recipients cut across several sports, including: athletics, wrestling, weightlifting, and para-sports, in line with the Commission’s mandate to prioritise athlete welfare and high-performance development.
The disbursement follows the establishment of the Elite and Podium Board, created to implement a scientific and institutionalised support system aimed at sustaining peak performances by Nigerian athletes at major international competitions.
Athletes in weightlifting, athletics, taekwondo, powerlifting, para table tennis, para athletics and para badminton were selected for the 2026 training grants after a rigorous and professional evaluation process conducted by the Elite and Podium Board of the NSC.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade said the Commission, under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was established to restore confidence and provide renewed hope for Nigerian sportsmen and women by placing strong emphasis on athlete welfare.
“Mr President has graciously increased our budget and given sports special financial considerations because he believes strongly in the power of sports and the potential of the Nigerian athlete. This commitment is already reflecting in improved performances and successes at international competitions,” Olopade said.
“The training grants disbursed to 26 athletes across different sports followed a careful and professional selection process by the Yusuf Ali-led Elite and Podium Board. This is our way of reassuring our athletes that their welfare remains our utmost priority.”
Hon. Olopade added that the initiative would significantly aid athletes’ preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland and other major global competitions, including the Olympic Games.
“I often say that when we take care of our athletes, they will take care of the country by winning medals. Under the chairmanship of Mallam Shehu Dikko, the NSC will continue to explore ways to enhance athlete welfare so that they can consistently perform at their best while representing the nation,” he concluded
Meanwhile, the payment of this year’s Athletes Grants is the second time in six months that the NSC is disbursing such payment to the country’s top elite athletes.
