Ojez Offers Up to $2,000 Medal Bonus to Motivate Nigerian Swimmers Ahead of Commonwealth Games
Oru Leonard
South-East Representative on the Board of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), Joseph Odobeatu Anayo, popularly known as Ojez, has announced a cash reward package of up to 2,000 US dollars for Nigerian swimmers who win medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The incentive, unveiled ahead of the Games scheduled for July 23 to August 2, 2026, will see every Nigerian swimmer who wins a gold medal receive 2,000 US dollars, silver medallists 1,000 US dollars, and bronze medallists 500 US dollars.
According to Ojez, the initiative is designed to motivate Team Nigeria’s swimmers and complement the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure a successful outing at the Commonwealth 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,” he said.
He added that excellence should always be rewarded, stressing that financial incentives could inspire athletes to give their best on the international stage.
Beyond the monetary rewards, Ojez said the initiative reflects the importance of recognising athletes’ dedication and sacrifices, while urging greater private sector participation in sports development.
“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 stated.
The businessman and philanthropist has maintained a consistent record of supporting Nigerian aquatics. Following the 17th African Swimming Championships in Oran, Algeria, he rewarded Nigerian medal-winning swimmers Collins Ebingha and India Brown with cash gifts in recognition of their outstanding performances.
A long-time supporter of Nigerian sports, Ojez has also invested in the development of table tennis, assisting athletes from the grassroots to elite level.
He reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with government and sports stakeholders to improve sporting infrastructure, strengthen athlete development programmes and provide sustained support for Nigerian athletes competing on the global stage.
