NSC Assures Athletes of Enhanced Welfare, Targets 20 Gold Medals at Commonwealth Games
Oru Leonard
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has assured Nigerian athletes of unprecedented welfare packages and world-class preparations ahead of the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, while expressing confidence that Team Nigeria can achieve a historic medal haul.
Speaking after a stakeholders’ meeting with sports federation leaders in Abuja, Olopade described the Commonwealth Games and the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as two of Nigeria’s most important sporting engagements in the coming months.
The NSC boss said extensive consultations had been held with various sports federations, including American Flag Football, Karate and Mixed Martial Arts, as part of efforts to ensure Nigeria’s readiness for major international competitions.
According to him, athlete welfare remains the Commission’s top priority, with several measures already put in place to guarantee comfort, safety and optimal performance.
“We have always said that the welfare of the athletes is paramount to us. Today’s meeting was chiefly about their welfare, including travel arrangements, incentives and camping plans,” he said.
Olopade disclosed that some athletes would travel business class based on eligibility, while Team Nigeria’s competition kits and apparel are already prepared. He revealed that each athlete would receive a comprehensive package containing nearly 20 different apparel items.
He further announced that local camping for Team Nigeria would commence next Tuesday in Abuja, while the contingent is expected to depart for Aberdeen in early July for an additional three-and-a-half weeks of training and preparation.
The NSC Director General noted that he had personally inspected the overseas training facility to ensure it meets international standards and provides a conducive environment for Nigerian athletes.
In a significant welfare initiative, he said all athletes travelling to the Abuja camp have been directed to fly rather than travel by road, with transportation costs fully covered by the Commission.
“We have agreed that athlete welfare cannot be something we pay lip service to. Every athlete coming to Abuja has been mandated to fly in, and all costs will be borne by the NSC,” he stated.
Olopade also confirmed that attractive financial rewards have been approved for medal-winning athletes, although details of the incentives would be announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when Team Nigeria pays him a visit ahead of the Games.
On Nigeria’s medal prospects, the NSC boss cited projections by the Commission’s performance analysts, who estimate that Team Nigeria could secure about 16 gold medals and approximately 20 additional silver and bronze medals.
However, he challenged athletes and federation officials to surpass those expectations.
“The projection is 16 gold medals, but I have said that is not good enough. We must work harder and target 20 gold medals because that would place Nigeria among the top five nations at the Commonwealth Games. That is not too much for Nigeria to achieve,” Olopade said.
He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the government’s sustained support and funding of sports development, stressing that Nigerian athletes have never enjoyed such a high level of preparation and welfare arrangements for a major multi-sport event.
The NSC maintained that the comprehensive preparations are aimed at ensuring Team Nigeria delivers outstanding performances and strengthens the country’s reputation on the global sporting stage.
