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.
This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by the NSC’s Director of Press, Dr. Kehinde Ajayi.
According to the statement, the Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to athlete welfare during a meeting with the Nigerian team and officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) in Tokyo.
“I recognise that there have been challenges in the past leading to misunderstandings. This is precisely why Mr. President has revamped sports administration in the country with the establishment of the NSC. Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko is dedicated to ensuring that all our athletes receive the utmost care,” Olopade said.
He urged the athletes to remain patriotic in both performance and conduct, stressing that they represent Nigeria’s image on the global stage.
“You are the mirror through which the world sees our country. Your conduct should always exemplify patriotism, even when faced with challenges,” he noted, adding that President Bola Tinubu’s directive is to prioritise the welfare of all Nigerians representing the country.
Olopade also addressed lingering disputes between the athletes and the AFN, expressing hope that dialogue would strengthen ties and build trust going forward.
The Championships have already delivered historic moments for Nigeria. Rising star Kayinsola Ajayi became 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 2025 World Athletics Championships, running from 13 to 21 September at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo, is the premier global event for track and field outside the Olympic Games. Tokyo previously hosted the tournament in 1991, when Mike Powell set the still-standing long jump world record.