Key Points
- The National Sports Commission disbursed N200m in training grants to 26 Nigerian athletes for 2026 Commonwealth Games preparation.
- Beneficiaries include athletes from athletics, wrestling, weightlifting, taekwondo, powerlifting, and para-sports.
- Funds released through the Elite and Podium Board to support training expenses for home-based and foreign-based athletes.
- NSC Director General Bukola Olopade highlighted presidential support boosting athlete welfare and performances.
Asaba (Glasgow Express) February 11, 2026 – The National Sports Commission has allocated N200 million in training grants to 26 elite Nigerian athletes preparing for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
These funds, disbursed through the Yusuf Ali-led Elite and Podium Board, target top performers across multiple disciplines to cover essential training and preparation costs ahead of the international event scheduled from July 23 to August 2.
What triggered this financial support for athletes?
The grants follow a rigorous evaluation process by the NSC’s Elite and Podium Board, marking the second such disbursement within six months to bolster Nigeria’s elite athletes.
According to Punch, the initiative underscores a renewed commitment to athlete welfare under the current administration, with selections spanning athletics, wrestling, weightlifting, taekwondo, powerlifting, para table tennis, para athletics, and para badminton.
How has the NSC justified the grants?
NSC Director General Bukola Olopade emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has increased the sports budget and provided special financial considerations, believing in the power of sports and Nigerian athletes’ potential.
What did Olopade say about athlete welfare?
“This commitment is already reflecting in improved performances and successes at international competitions,” Olopade stated, as reported by BSN Sports and Totorinews. He added that the grants reassure athletes of the commission’s prioritisation of their needs.
What are the next steps in preparations?
Nigeria plans a four-week residential training camp in Aberdeen, Scotland, to aid acclimatisation and technical preparation, according to the Voice of Nigeria. Meanwhile, 32 track and field athletes have begun a six-week camp in Asaba, led by AFN Technical Director Gabriel Okon, as covered by ThisDay and Trendy Faith.
AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa expressed optimism that these efforts will sharpen athletes’ competitive edge for podium success in Glasgow, building on Nigeria’s record of 271 Commonwealth Games medals.
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