Team Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games gathered fresh momentum over the weekend as Federal Government announced three thousand dollars for each gold medal won while NCAA sprint champion Kanyinsola Ajayi and several other elite athletes arrived at the national training camp in Aberdeen, Scotland.
The arrival of Ajayi, Nigeria’s fastest man and one of the country’s brightest medal hopes, has injected renewed confidence into the camp ahead of the Games, which begin in Glasgow on July 23.
Ajayi, who has enjoyed a remarkable season in the United States, is expected to spearhead Nigeria’s challenge in the men’s 100m and play a key role in the 4x100m relay team.
His presence, alongside world-class stars including world record holder Tobi Amusan, shot put ace Chukwuebuka Enekwechi and para-powerlifting champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo, has significantly strengthened Team Nigeria’s medal prospects.
Sprint sensation Favour Ashe also expressed confidence that the intensive training programme in Aberdeen has put the athletes in the right frame of mind for the competition.
“I would say my mental is in the right spot. I’m ready mentally and physically. This training camp has been a huge boost for the athletes and has put us in a better mental space,” Ashe said.
The 100m and 4x100m relay specialist also called on Nigerians to throw their full support behind every member of Team Nigeria throughout the Games.
Beyond the growing optimism in camp, athletes received another major boost after the National Sports Commission unveiled an attractive financial reward package for medal winners.
NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade announced that every Nigerian athlete who wins a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games will receive $3,000, while silver medalists will earn $2,000 and bronze medalists $1,500.
Coaches of medal-winning athletes will also receive performance bonuses of $5,000.
Olopade further disclosed that payment of athletes’ camp allowances has commenced to ensure competitors remain fully motivated as they prepare for the multi-sport event.
Nigeria is expected to compete across athletics, boxing, cycling, swimming, weightlifting and para sports, with about 3,000 athletes from 74 nations set to participate in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games from July 23 to August 2.
With more top athletes now settling into camp and incentives firmly in place, expectations are rising that Team Nigeria can produce one of its strongest Commonwealth Games performances in recent years
