Sports

Gold for Nworgu as Team Nigeria Sparks Early Medal Rush at Commonwealth Games

Published

3 months ago

July 24, 2026

Joel Ajayi

Team Nigeria made an emphatic start to its campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, launching an early medal rush on the opening day with one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal in para powerlifting.

Leading the charge was Esther Nworgu, who delivered a superb performance in the women’s lightweight para powerlifting event, lifting her way to Team Nigeria’s first gold medal of the Games with a total of 119.0 points.

Nigeria’s celebration continued as Esther Onyema also mounted the podium in the same event, claiming the bronze medal after another impressive display of strength and determination to ensure a double podium finish for the country.

Earlier in the day, seasoned para powerlifter Roland Ezuruike had opened Nigeria’s medal account by winning the silver medal in the men’s lightweight para powerlifting (Group A) event with a score of 153.9 points, setting the tone for Team Nigeria’s impressive start in Glasgow.

In line with the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to athlete welfare and motivation, the National Sports Commission (NSC) immediately rewarded the medalists at the competition venue.

Gold medalist Esther Nworgu received an instant $5,000 cash reward from the NSC, with an additional $5,000 paid directly into her account, bringing her total reward to $10,000.

Silver medalist Roland Ezuruike was presented with $2,000 at the venue, while another $3,000 was credited to his account, giving him a total reward of $5,000.

Bronze medalist Esther Onyema also earned a combined reward of $5,000, comprising $2,000 presented immediately after the event and $3,000 transferred directly to her account.

The swift financial rewards underscore President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to recognizing and motivating Nigerian athletes for outstanding performances on the international stage.

With medals already flowing on the opening day, Team Nigeria has sent a strong message of intent as the country pursues its ambitious target of a successful Commonwealth Games campaign.

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Sports

NSC Disburses Another ₦300m Training Grants to 31 Elite Athletes Ahead of 2028 Olympic Games

Published

10 hours ago

October 30, 2026

The Gleamer

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has disbursed approximately ₦300 million in quarterly training grants to more than 31 Nigerian elite athletes, providing early boost to the country’s preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The latest payment marks another milestone in the Commission’s efforts to strengthen athletes’ welfare and ensure sustained preparations for major international competitions under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The latest disbursement is the fifth since the introduction of the quarterly training grants policy in 2025 through the NSC’s Elite and Podium Board, and the third payment made in 2026.

With the latest payment, the Commission has now disbursed more than ₦1 billion in training grants to Nigerian elite athletes over the past two years.

The initiative provides quarterly grants of $10,000, $5,000 and $3,000 to athletes, depending on their performance and eligibility under the scientific performance indicators established by the Elite and Podium Board.

The policy has been widely welcomed by some of the country’s leading athletes, who have described it as a game changer that has significantly improved their preparations for international competitions by providing consistent financial support for their training needs.

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said the initiative reflected the Commission’s commitment to building a sustainable system for sporting success through deliberate investment in athletes.

“There are no accidental successes in sports. This is why the Commission has prioritised the welfare and wellbeing of our athletes as a critical part of our strategy for scientific podium success,” Hon, Olopade said.

He said the training grants were among the key mandates given to the Commission’s leadership by President Tinubu to ensure that Nigerian athletes receive the financial support needed to compete effectively at the highest level.

“I am particularly glad that we have been able to institute this athletes’ training grants policy because it is one of the core mandates Mr President gave to Mallam Shehu Dikko and me, to ensure that we put money in the pockets of Nigerian athletes and prepare them adequately for international competitions like the Olympics.”

“We can only get the best out of our athletes when we take care of them properly. By doing so, they will wear the Green and White of our country with pride and dignity. This is why Mr President has continued to support every policy we have introduced to revamp the sports sector,” he said.

Hon. Olopade added that sustained financial support would enable athletes to concentrate on their training without the distractions of financial uncertainty.

“Our athletes need this money to stay focused on their training so they are not distracted in their preparations for major competitions. And we must not forget that when we take care of our athletes, they will take care of the country with medals,” he added.

The impact of the training grants has continued to reflect in Nigeria’s recent performances at international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where the country emerged as Africa’s leading nation.

The performances of athletes such as Samuel Ogazi and Nathaniel Ezekiel, who broke world records, further highlighted the benefits of sustained investment in elite sports development.

Team Nigeria’s impressive outing at the 2025 Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia also underscored the importance of consistent support for athletes as the country intensifies preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The NSC said the training grants remain a central component of its strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s elite sports system, improve international competitiveness and deliver sustained podium success at major global competitions.

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