By our reporter 30-11-2025
Encouraged by Nigeria’s outing at the recent Riyadh 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games, National Sports Commission Elite and Podium Board CEO, Yusuf Alli said Nigeria athletes would be well prepared and motivated for the 2026 Commonwealth Games billed for Glasgow, Scotland.
Team Nigeria delivered its best-ever performance at the Islamic Solidarity Games, finishing with eleven gold, twelve silver and seven bronze medals. Weightlifting produced the highest haul with six gold, four silver and three bronze medals. Athletics followed with two gold, four silver and three bronze medals.
Nigeria’s wrestlers contributed two gold and two silver medals, while the powerlifting team won one gold medal. Boxing earned one silver, para athletics one silver, and taekwondo one bronze, bringing the country’s final tally to 30 medals from 34 athletes.
Mr. Yusuf noted that the decision to create a conducive camp environment, ensure prompt payment of allowances and bonuses, and introduce instant cash rewards for medal winners has significantly boosted morale and performance.
“The moment you win a gold medal, you get $1000, silver medalist gets $500 and bronze medalist $300. Camp allowances are other incentives were promptly paid, and that was why Team Nigeria’s participation at the games was rancour-free,” he said.
“Already, I have sat down with the Chairman and the DG, and we have outlined plans that will ensure we succeed at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Execution of the plans has already started, and the Chairman and the DG are committed to the execution, and I am confidently assuring Nigerians that our participation at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will be the best.”