Team Nigeria’s best Islamic Games outing driven by NSC leadership — Alli

Team Nigeria’s impressive performance at the Riyadh 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games has been attributed to the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) meticulous planning and enhanced welfare measures for athletes, according to Deputy Chef-de-Mission Yussuf Amuda Alli.

Alli, who is also CEO of the NSC Elite and Podium Board, said Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade prioritised athlete comfort, creating a conducive camp environment and ensuring prompt payment of allowances and bonuses.

He noted that the introduction of instant cash rewards for medal winners significantly boosted morale. Gold medallists received $1,000, silver medallists $500 and bronze medallists $300, alongside regular camp allowances. “The moment you win a gold medal, you get $1,000; silver medallists get $500; and bronze medallists get $300. Camp allowances and other incentives were promptly paid, and that was why Team Nigeria’s participation at the Games was rancour-free,” he said.

Team Nigeria finished with eleven gold, twelve silver and seven bronze medals — its best-ever outing at the Games. Weightlifting led the haul with six gold, four silver and three bronze, followed by athletics with two gold, four silver and three bronze.

Wrestling contributed two gold and two silver medals, powerlifting produced one gold, while boxing, para athletics and taekwondo added one silver, one silver and one bronze respectively, bringing the country’s total to 30 medals from 34 athletes.

The Riyadh result marked a significant improvement from previous editions, where Nigeria won no medals in 2005, saw the 2009 Games cancelled, and failed to reach the podium again in 2013. The country secured six medals in 2017 and five in 2021.

Alli noted that the commission’s reforms have ended disputes over allowances and bonuses, describing the Athlete First Policy as one of the most impactful developments in Nigerian sports administration in recent times.

Looking ahead, he expressed confidence in Nigeria’s prospects at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, saying plans were already being executed to ensure the country’s best-ever performance.