Aghazu Rewards Home-Based Athletes with N1.6 Million Excellence Prize Ahead of Commonwealth Games Trials
Oru Leonard
Home-based athletes preparing for the Commonwealth Games trials have received a major boost following the introduction of a N1.6 million Excellence Prize by sports enthusiast and philanthropist, Aghazu.
The initiative, aimed at motivating local athletes to strive for outstanding performances, is expected to enhance competitiveness and reward excellence during the trials.
Under the scheme, athletes who distinguish themselves through exceptional performances at the Commonwealth Games trials will share a total prize pool of N1.6 million, providing an additional incentive for participants seeking qualification for the prestigious international event.
Aghazu said the prize was designed to encourage dedication, hard work and resilience among home-based athletes, many of whom continue to face challenges in their pursuit of sporting success.
According to him, rewarding excellence is crucial to the growth of sports in Nigeria and will inspire athletes to push beyond their limits while representing the country with pride.
He noted that home-based athletes remain an important component of Nigeria’s sports development agenda and deserve greater support from stakeholders, corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals.
Sports stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that will boost athletes’ morale and complement efforts by sports authorities to prepare Nigerian competitors for future international competitions.
The Excellence Prize is expected to be awarded to top-performing athletes during the Commonwealth Games trials, reinforcing the culture of merit, discipline and achievement in Nigerian sports.
Observers believe the initiative could serve as a model for private-sector involvement in sports development, particularly in supporting grassroots and home-based talents who often lack adequate funding and exposure.
With the Commonwealth Games trials approaching, athletes are expected to intensify preparations as they compete not only for national selection but also for the opportunity to benefit from the incentive aimed at celebrating excellence in sports.
