Breakdown: How much each Nigerian athletes will earn competing at 2026 Commonwealth Games
GLASGOW, Scotland (Made In Africa Sport) – Team Nigeria athletes will receive higher allowances, improved welfare benefits and increased medal bonuses at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after the National Sports Commission (NSC) announced a new incentive package ahead of the competition.
According to a statement signed by the NSC’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr Kehinde Ajayi, the package was approved by Commission chairman Shehu Dikko and director general Bukola Olopade as part of efforts to improve athlete welfare and reward outstanding performances.
Here is a breakdown of what athletes and officials will receive.
Travel support
- ₦250,000 for each athlete and official to cover travel to the national training camp in Abuja.
- ₦250,000 for each athlete and official to support return travel after the Commonwealth Games.
Total travel support per athlete: ₦500,000
Local training camp allowance
- Athletes: ₦5,000 per day
- Officials: ₦7,500 per day
The NSC said this represents a significant increase from the previous daily allowance of between ₦1,000 and ₦2,000.
Overseas training camp allowance
For the 21-day high-performance camp in Aberdeen:
- Athletes: $150 per day
- Coaches: $200 per day
An athlete attending the full 21-day camp would receive:
- $3,150 (21 × $150)
Competition allowance
During the Commonwealth Games:
- Athletes: $200 per day
- Coaches: $250 per day
The Commission said this is an increase from the Birmingham 2022 rates of $150 for athletes and $200 for coaches.
Medal rewards
Athletes winning medals will receive immediate cash rewards of:
- 🥇 Gold: $3,000
- 🥈 Silver: $2,000
- 🥉 Bronze: $1,000
Their coaches will receive matching rewards.
Additional performance bonuses
Medal-winning athletes will also receive separate bonuses paid directly into their bank accounts:
- 🥇 Gold: $5,000
- 🥈 Silver: $3,000
- 🥉 Bronze: $2,000
Total earnings for medal winners
An athlete winning an individual medal will receive:
| Medal | Instant reward | Performance bonus | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | $3,000 | $5,000 | $8,000 |
| Silver | $2,000 | $3,000 | $5,000 |
| Bronze | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 |
These amounts exclude daily competition allowances, overseas camp allowances and travel support.
New competition kit
The NSC also confirmed that athletes have been issued upgraded Puma competition apparel, including approximately 20 items as well as premium luggage and two travel boxes for each athlete.
Favour Ashe boosts medal chances
The welfare package comes as Team Nigeria heads into the Games with growing confidence, particularly in athletics after Favour Ashe’s victory at the BFTAA Open in Lee Valley.
Nigeria will target a first Commonwealth Games men’s 4x100m gold medal with a relay squad featuring Ashe, Kanyinsola Ajayi, Udodi Onwuzurike, Alaba Akintola, Israel Okon, Fakorede Adekalu and Chidera Ezeakor.