The National Sports Commission (NSC) has disbursed ₦200 million in training grants to 26 Nigerian athletes as part of its strategic build-up to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

The commission confirmed on Tuesday that the funds were released through its Elite and Podium Board to a carefully selected group of top-performing athletes, drawn from both home-based and foreign-based categories. The grants are intended to support training and preparation programmes ahead of major international competitions.

Athletes from a wide range of sports benefited from the initiative, including athletics, wrestling, weightlifting, taekwondo, and powerlifting, as well as para-sports such as para athletics, para table tennis and para badminton.

According to the NSC, the beneficiaries emerged from a rigorous and professional assessment process conducted by the Elite and Podium Board, chaired by renowned sports administrator Yusuf Ali. The board was constituted to deliver a more scientific, data-driven, and institutionalised support system aimed at sustaining elite-level performance.

Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, said the disbursement underscores a renewed commitment to athlete welfare under the current administration.

 “Mr President has graciously increased our budget and given sports special financial consideration because he believes strongly in the power of sports and the potential of the Nigerian athlete,” Olopade said.

“That belief is already translating into improved performances and success at international competitions.”

Olopade added that the grants were also designed to give athletes confidence in the commission’s long-term support.

 “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,” he said.

He noted that the funding would play a key role in Nigeria’s preparations not only for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games but also for other major global events, 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,” Olopade added, stressing that the commission, under the chairmanship of Shehu Dikko, will continue to explore innovative ways to enhance athlete welfare and drive consistent high-level performances.

The latest release marks the second training grant disbursement to elite Nigerian athletes within the last six months, highlighting a more sustained approach to performance funding by the NSC.

Nigeria will be targeting an improved outing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, where it hopes to add to its all-time haul of 271 medals 82 gold, 84 silver and 105 bronze when the Games take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026.