Team Nigeria’s Deputy Chef-de-Mission to the Riyadh 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games, Yussuf Amuda Alli, has attributed the country’s historic performance to the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) strategic planning, improved welfare measures, and athlete-focused policies.Alli, who also serves as the CEO of the NSC Elite and Podium Board, said the Commission’s leadership—Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade—ensured that the team received unprecedented support before and during the Games. According to him, decisions such as creating a conducive camp environment, ensuring timely payment of allowances, and introducing instant cash rewards for medal winners significantly boosted morale and contributed to the country’s best-ever outing.He emphasised that the welfare-driven approach eliminated the longstanding issues that often mar national team participation. “The moment you win a gold medal, you get $1,000; silver medalists get $500, and bronze medalists receive $300. Camp allowances and other incentives were promptly paid, and that was why Team Nigeria’s participation at the Games was rancour-free,” he explained.
Team Nigeria finished the Games with an impressive haul of 11 gold, 12 silver, and 7 bronze medals, marking its most successful appearance since joining the Islamic Solidarity Games. Weightlifting topped the medal chart with six gold, four silver, and three bronze medals. Athletics followed with two gold, four silver, and three bronze medals.Other sports also made notable contributions: wrestling secured two gold and two silver medals; powerlifting earned one gold; boxing captured one silver; para athletics added one silver; and taekwondo recorded one bronze. In total, the contingent of 34 athletes returned with 30 medals.The achievement represents a significant leap for Nigeria, which won no medals in its debut outing in Mecca in 2005. The second edition scheduled for Tehran was cancelled, while the 2013 Games in Palembang ended without a podium finish. Nigeria won six medals in Baku in 2017 and five medals in Konya in 2021.
Alli, a former national and international athlete who captained Nigeria at several major championships, said the new reward framework reinvigorated commitment among athletes and restored confidence in national preparations. He noted that the Commission’s reforms have effectively ended the cycle of disputes over allowances and bonuses.“The issue of athletes complaining about payments has been banished forever. The Chairman and the DG’s Athlete First Policy is one of the best things to happen to Nigerian sports. Prompt grants and clear structures for major competitions are now guaranteed,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Alli expressed optimism about Nigeria’s prospects at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. “I have already met with the Chairman and the DG, and we have outlined plans to ensure success at Glasgow 2026. Execution has begun, and I can confidently assure Nigerians that our participation will be the best yet,” he concluded.
