Road to Glasgow: 26 Nigerian stars receive N200m support

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has given N200 million in training grants to 26 Nigerian athletes to help them prepare for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow, Scotland.

According to the NSC, the money was shared through its Elite and Podium Board. The funds are meant for top-performing athletes, both those based in Nigeria and those training abroad. The grants will cover their training and preparation expenses.

The athletes come from different sports, including athletics, wrestling, weightlifting, and para-sports. The Commission said this move is part of its plan to focus on athletes’ welfare and improve performance at major international competitions.

The NSC explained that the Elite and Podium Board was created to provide structured and professional support to help Nigerian athletes maintain top performance levels.

The Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, said the Commission was set up under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to restore confidence in Nigerian sports and give athletes better support.

He said the 26 athletes were selected carefully by the Elite and Podium Board, led by Yusuf Ali, and that the grants show the Commission’s commitment to prioritising athletes’ welfare.