Commonwealth Games: NAqF Board Member Offers $2,000 Bonus For Swimming Medallists

A board member of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation (NAqF), Joseph Anayo, popularly known as Ojez, has announced cash rewards of up to $2,000 for Nigerian swimmers who win medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Key Highlights:

• Joseph Anayo (Ojez) has pledged cash rewards for Nigerian swimming medallists at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
• Gold medallists will receive $2,000, silver medallists $1,000, and bronze medallists $500.
• The initiative is intended to motivate swimmers and complement government support.
• Ojez called for stronger private sector partnerships to boost sports development in Nigeria.
• He reaffirmed his commitment to improving sports infrastructure and supporting athlete development.

The incentive package will see each gold medallist receive $2,000, silver medallists $1,000, and bronze medallists $500, as part of efforts to motivate Team Nigeria’s swimmers ahead of the Games scheduled to hold from July 23 to August 2.

According to Ojez on Wednesday, the initiative is designed to complement government efforts and inspire the athletes to deliver podium performances on the international stage.

“Our swimmers deserve every encouragement as they prepare to represent Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games. This reward is my way of motivating them to aim for the podium and make the nation proud,” he said.

He added that excellence should always be rewarded, stressing that athletes who dedicate themselves to representing the country deserve recognition.

“I am offering $2,000 for every gold medal, $1,000 for every silver medal and $500 for every bronze medal won by our swimmers. Excellence deserves to be rewarded,” he stated.

The businessman and sports enthusiast said the initiative is about more than financial rewards, noting that consistent encouragement is essential to developing world-class athletes.

“This is not just about money; it is about inspiring our athletes to believe that their hard work and sacrifices are appreciated. Government cannot do it alone.

“The private sector must continue to partner with the Nigeria Aquatics Federation and other sports bodies to create opportunities for our athletes to succeed,” he said.

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Ojez has remained a strong supporter of Nigerian aquatics and recently rewarded medal-winning swimmers Collins Ebingha and India Brown following their impressive performances at the 17th African Swimming Championships in Oran, Algeria.

A long-time sports promoter, he has also contributed to the development of table tennis in Nigeria, supporting athletes from the grassroots to elite level before joining the board of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation as the South-East representative.

He reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to improve sports infrastructure, strengthen athlete development programmes and provide greater support for Nigerian athletes competing at major international competitions.