Sports
Nigeria Aquatics Patron Joseph Odobeatu Offers $2,000 Reward for Medal Winners
Joel Ajayi
South-East Representative on the Board of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), Joseph Odobeatu Anayo, popularly known as Ojez, has announced cash rewards of up to 2,000 US dollars for Nigerian swimmers who win medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, scheduled to hold from July 23 to August 2, 2026.
Under the incentive package, every Nigerian swimmer who wins a gold medal will receive 2,000 US dollars, silver medallists will earn 1,000 US dollars, while bronze medallists will receive 500 US dollars. Ojez said the initiative is aimed at motivating the athletes and complementing government efforts to ensure Nigeria records a successful outing at the Games.
“Our swimmers deserve every encouragement as they prepare to represent Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games. This reward is my way of motivating them to aim for the podium and make the nation proud,” Ojez said.
He added: “I am offering 2,000 US dollars for every gold medal, 1,000 US dollars for every silver medal and 500 US dollars for every bronze medal won by our swimmers. Excellence deserves to be rewarded.”
The businessman, philanthropist and sports enthusiast stressed that the initiative goes beyond financial rewards, noting that recognition and encouragement are vital to building champions.
“This is not just about money; it is about inspiring our athletes to believe that their hard work and sacrifices are appreciated. Government cannot do it alone. The private sector must continue to partner with the Nigeria Aquatics Federation and other sports bodies to create opportunities for our athletes to succeed,” he said.
Ojez has consistently demonstrated his commitment to rewarding excellence in Nigerian aquatics. Following the recently concluded 17th African Swimming Championships in Oran Algeria, he presented cash rewards to Nigeria’s medal-winning swimmers, Collins Ebingha and India Brown, in recognition of their outstanding performances and for bringing honour to the country.
He has been a long-standing supporter of Nigerian sports since the era of the former National Sports Commission. He has contributed significantly to the development of table tennis, supporting several players from the grassroots to elite level, and currently serves as the South-East Representative on the Board of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working with the government and stakeholders to improve sports facilities, strengthen athlete development programmes and provide greater support for Nigerian athletes competing on the international stage.
Sports
11 Days to AACT 2026: Munir Tijjani Assures of Nigeria’s Readiness, Government Support
Joel Ajayi
With 11 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), the championship consultant, Munir Tijjani, has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparedness to host the continental women’s golf championship, citing the support of government agencies and key stakeholders.
Tijjani said preparations were progressing with the cooperation of relevant institutions and stakeholders, expressing optimism that Nigeria would deliver a successful championship that showcases the country’s organisational capacity and hospitality to participating African nations.
He noted that the support received from government agencies and other partners had been important to the preparations, helping to strengthen coordination and the arrangements required to welcome teams from across the continent.
The AACT consultant also assured participating countries and golfers that the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja would be open for the championship, expressing confidence in the venue’s readiness to host the competition.
The assurance comes as preparations enter their final phase ahead of the tournament, which will bring together women golfers representing their countries in a contest for continental honours.
For Nigeria, hosting the championship offers an opportunity to promote women’s golf, strengthen sporting relationships across Africa and showcase the country as a destination for international sporting events.
Nigeria will host the All Africa Challenge Trophy for the third time, following the 1996 edition at Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos and the 2010 championship at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
The 2026 tournament is scheduled for November 2 to 7 at the Abuja golf course, with about 30 African countries expected to participate.
Under the slogan “Uniting Africa through the greens,” the championship aims to bring African nations together through women’s golf while creating opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism and broader continental cooperation.
With 11 days remaining, the Local Organising Committee and its partners are intensifying final preparations to ensure Nigeria welcomes Africa for a memorable championship.
11 DAYS TO GO.
AACT 2026: UNITING AFRICA THROUGH THE GREENS.
AFRICA IS COMING TO ABUJA.
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