Team Nigeria Athletes Get Allowances as FG Pledges Full Support in Tokyo

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has settled the allowances and bonuses of Team Nigeria athletes competing at the ongoing 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

The NSC’s Director of Press, Dr. Kehinde Ajayi, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the Director General, Bukola Olopade, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to athlete welfare during a meeting with the Nigerian contingent and officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Olopade acknowledged past challenges but stressed that the creation of the NSC under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has transformed sports administration in the country. He assured that Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko is focused on ensuring athletes receive the best possible care.

“You are the mirror through which the world sees our country. Your performance and conduct should reflect patriotism because you are ambassadors of Nigeria,” Olopade told the athletes.

He also addressed unresolved issues between the AFN and the athletes, expressing optimism that ongoing dialogue would foster stronger relations. “The President’s mandate is clear — the welfare of every Nigerian representing the nation comes first, and that is why I am here,” he added.

The 2025 Championships have already delivered milestones for Nigeria, with Kayinsola Ajayi becoming the first Nigerian in 18 years to reach the men’s 100m final, while world champion Tobi Amusan claimed silver in the women’s 100m hurdles with a time of 12.24 seconds.

The World Athletics Championships, regarded as the pinnacle of global track and field outside the Olympics, runs from September 13 to 21 at Tokyo’s National Stadium — the same venue that hosted the athletics events of the delayed 2020 Olympics and the iconic 1991 edition where Mike Powell set the men’s long jump world record.