Charges them to be worthy ambassadors
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From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has promised to reward Team Nigeria athletes with an instant $3,000 cash reward for any winner of a gold medal at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Making the promise, NSC Director-General (DG) Bukola Olopade also announced that while the gold medallists will pocket $3,000 each, silver and bronze medallists will smile to the bank with $2,500 and $2,000 respectively at Dakar 2026.
Olopade, who announced the rewards during Team Nigeria’s send-forth ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, noted that it was to motivate the athletes to make history at the first Olympic event to be hosted on African soil.
The commission also announced that three psychologists and two safeguarding officers will travel with the team for the Youth Olympic Games scheduled to hold from 31 October to 13 November in Dakar, Senegal.
Olopade further noted that the initiative is designed to recognise the athletes’ discipline and commitment, adding that their efforts to represent Nigeria deserved appreciation regardless of their age.
“The Youth Olympic in Dakar is very historic and you all are history makers to be part of the first Olympic Games to be held in Africa. This is why I am very confident that these games will mark the beginning of greatness for all of you.
“We have selected you all to represent the country in your various sports because you represent the core crop of our future stars and I want you all to stay focused, disciplined and passionate about your careers.”
“If you have the discipline to wake up every morning at 5am to train, and in the evening to train, despite body aches and everything, then you deserve any money that the country gives to you for doing well,” he said.
“Under the reward scheme, athletes who win gold medals will receive $3,000, while silver medallists will earn $2,500 and bronze medallists $2,000,” he announced.
The NSC boss equally revealed that the rewards would also support the athletes’ education and their families, noting that the commission had already introduced a programme of visiting athletes in their schools to recognise and reward their performances.
“I urge you to approach the competition with confidence and determination. The tournament is an important platform for developing future Nigerian champions.
“Your participation has already secured you a place in sporting history, regardless of your eventual results. I am sure that some of the athletes would progress to senior international competitions, including the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, if you remain committed to your development,” he assured.
The director-general, however, expressed reservations about the selection of events for the Dakar competition, noting that some sports, in which Nigeria traditionally enjoys a competitive advantage, were not included in the programme.
He stressed that the commission was placing considerable importance on talent development and international exposure, rather than judging the team’s performance solely by its medal tally.