In a significant departure from previous years of “last-minute approach” sports administration, Nigeria is charting a new course for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Yusuf Alli, the Chief Executive Officer of the Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board, has announced a comprehensive preparation framework designed to prioritize athlete welfare and long-term stability over temporary fixes.
The cornerstone of this updated strategy is a dedicated ₦200 million fund earmarked specifically for athlete training and development. Unlike previous cycles where funding was often delayed until the eve of the tournament, this budget is intended to facilitate a continuous training environment.
Alli emphasized that the goal is to create a “structured and sustainable system” that removes the financial anxiety typically associated with international representation.
To ensure the funds are utilized effectively, the board is implementing a tiered system for the nation’s competitors. Athletes will be categorized into two distinct groups based on performance metrics and potential.
Perhaps the most impactful change is the payment of stipends during the preparation phase. By providing financial support throughout the training cycle, rather than just a one-time competition bonus—the board aims to allow athletes to focus entirely on their physical and technical readiness.
”The old approach is outdated,” Alli stated. “We believe this new system will help athletes focus fully on performance.”
The National Sports Commission (NSC) is backing this streamlined model, viewing it as a tool for both motivation and oversight. This new structure is expected to provide regular assessments of athlete progress throughout the training calendar and clear tracking of how developmental funds are distributed and utilized.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled to run from 23 July to 2 August, will serve as the ultimate litmus test for this administrative shift. With a focus on “podium finishes,” the Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board is confident that moving away from frantic, eleventh-hour preparations will give Nigerian representatives a distinct competitive edge on the global stage.
