By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced cash rewards of $3,000, $2,500 and $2,000 for Nigerian athletes who win gold, silver and bronze medals, respectively, at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, with the money to be channelled into their tuition.
The announcement came on Tuesday in Abuja as the NSC handed over Team Nigeria’s contingent to the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) ahead of the Games, scheduled for October/November.
NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade, charged the athletes to represent Nigeria with pride, discipline and patriotism at the first Youth Olympic Games to be held in Africa.
He urged the young competitors to maximise the opportunity as they build towards future international competitions, including the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Olopade also highlighted the commission’s grassroots development drive, including its Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) programme, as part of efforts to nurture Nigeria’s next generation of sporting stars.
Receiving the contingent, NOC President, Engineer Habu Gumel, commended the NSC for its efforts in training, welfare and kitting, expressing confidence in the athletes’ prospects.
“Nigeria has been participating in the Youth Olympic Games since the beginning in Singapore, and we have been doing very well. I believe this time around we are going to do well,” Gumel said.
He assured the athletes of the NOC’s support and urged them to shun doping and misconduct, stressing the importance of returning home with their integrity intact.
“I want to assure you that we will take a clean contingent to Dakar and bring back a clean contingent to Nigeria again,” he said.
Gumel encouraged the athletes to see the competition as a stepping stone towards senior Olympic participation, describing them as future Olympians.
The athletes were presented in their green-and-white national kits and are scheduled to depart for Dakar on Thursday.
The Games, expected to attract more than 2,700 young athletes worldwide, will run until November 13.
