NSC Secures Free-to-Air Commonwealth Games Broadcast for Nigerians, Unveils Medal Rewards
…Athletes Target Record Performances in Glasgow
By Our Reporter
Abuja (Core Reporters) The National Sports Commission (NSC) has secured a free-to-air broadcast partnership with What Network to ensure Nigerians can watch the country’s athletes compete at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, without subscription fees.
Announcing the partnership at the Media Centre of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Friday, July 10, the Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said the initiative was aimed at giving Nigerians unrestricted access to Team Nigeria’s performances while creating opportunities for sports content development.
According to him, the Commission is also working towards establishing a dedicated sports channel that will provide live coverage of Team Nigeria’s activities during the Games.
“The families of our athletes, like Kanyinsola Ajayi and others, should be able to watch their children compete. Nigerians should also be able to follow the Games, while young people can create value from sports content. That is part of President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a sports economy,” Olopade said.
Also the Chief Executive Officer of What Network, Chichi, said the company had secured the free-to-air broadcast rights for Nigeria, adding that the Games would be available nationwide through the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Television Continental (TVC), and digital platforms.
She disclosed that coverage would begin with the opening ceremony and include live events involving Nigerian athletes, highlights, and digital content.
“Every Nigerian will be able to watch the Commonwealth Games without worrying about subscriptions. We are partnering with NTA and TVC to ensure nationwide access, while highlights and key events will also be streamed on NSC TV and What Network’s YouTube platforms.
“We see this as part of Nigeria’s journey to the Olympics. It is important that young people are inspired by our athletes. We also encourage journalists to work with us by using our highlights and clips to tell Team Nigeria’s story in real time,” she said.
The NSC also announced enhanced financial incentives for medal-winning athletes. Gold medalists will receive $3,000, silver medalists $2,000, and bronze medalists $1,500, in addition to their approved allowances.
Meanwhile, at the briefing, Team Nigeria athletes pledged to deliver outstanding performances and support the Commission’s target of winning a record 16 gold medals at the Glasgow Games.
World-class sprinter Kanyinsola Ajayi, sprint star Rosemary Chukwuma, rising athlete Miracle Ezechukwu, and Paralympic champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo all expressed confidence in the team’s readiness.
Ajayi assured Nigerians that Team Nigeria is prepared to make the country proud.
“We are going there to give our best. Nigerians should expect exciting and elite performances from Team Nigeria. We are ready to make the country proud,” he said.
On his part, Ezechukwu thanked the NSC for its continued support, describing it as a major source of motivation for the athletes.
“We sincerely appreciate the support the NSC has given us. It means a lot to us as athletes, and we are grateful,” she said.
Chukwuma also pledged the team’s commitment to excellence.
“We thank everyone for giving us the opportunity to represent Nigeria. We believe we are ready, and we will give everything we have to make our country proud,” she said.
However, Olopade challenged the athletes to compete with confidence and aim beyond winning medals.
“I have told the athletes to go out there and compete for Nigeria. They should not only aim to win medals but also strive to break world records. This is another important step in our preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles,” he said.
He concluded by expressing confidence that Team Nigeria would produce memorable performances in Glasgow and lay a strong foundation for future international success.
