By Daily Sports Nigeria on February 11, 2026

The National Sports Commission has announced the disbursement of N200m in training grants to 26 Nigerian athletes as part of preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, The PUNCH reports.

The commission confirmed on Tuesday that the funds were released through its Elite and Podium Board to selected top-performing athletes drawn from both foreign-based and home-based categories, with the grants designed to cover training and preparation expenses ahead of major international competitions.

The beneficiaries span several sports, including athletics, wrestling, weightlifting, taekwondo, powerlifting and para-sports such as para table tennis, para athletics and para badminton.

The athletes were selected after what the commission described as a careful and professional evaluation process conducted by the Yusuf Ali-led Elite and Podium Board, which was established to implement a more scientific and institutionalised support system for sustaining peak performance.

The Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, said the initiative reflected a renewed focus on athlete welfare under the current administration.

“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,” Olopade said.

“This commitment is already reflecting in improved performances and successes at international competitions.”

He added that the grants were intended to reassure athletes of the commission’s 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.

Olopade said the support would significantly aid preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland and other major 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,” he said, adding that under the chairmanship of Shehu Dikko, the commission would continue to explore ways to enhance athlete welfare to ensure consistent high-level performances.

The latest disbursement marks the second time within six months that the commission has released training grants to Nigeria’s elite athletes , according to the NSC.

Nigeria will be aiming to extend its Commonwealth Games medal tally of 271 medals, made up of 82 gold, 84 silver and 105 bronze, at the Glasgow 2026 Games, which are scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2, 2026.

Source Punch Ng

Posted February 11, 2026

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