NSC rewards rising star Majekodunmi with N3m

...Reinforces push for grassroots sports development 

 

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

 

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has taken another bold step in encouraging young talents after rewarding outstanding Ogun State athlete, Afusat Majekodunmi, with a cash prize of three million naira for her impressive achievements in athletics in 2025.

The reward was announced by the Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, during a public presentation ceremony held at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Chief Olopade said the gesture reflects the Commission’s renewed commitment to identifying, nurturing and rewarding young Nigerian athletes who continue to make the country proud on the international stage.

Majekodunmi, an SS3 student of Abeokuta Grammar School, enjoyed a remarkable 2025 season, shining at the National Sports Festival before dominating continental competitions. 

The young sprinter clinched two gold medals at the African Athletics Championship in Abeokuta and added another two gold medals in the 400m event at the African Youth Games in Angola.

According to Olopade, the reward is in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that exceptional Nigerian athletes, particularly those discovered at the grassroots level, must be recognised and properly supported.

He revealed that the Commission has already begun visiting different states to personally appreciate athletes who contributed to Nigeria’s success in various competitions.

Olopade added that between 30 and 35 young athletes who excelled in 2025 would benefit from the initiative as the NSC intensifies its drive to promote youth sports development across the country.

The NSC DG also stressed that beyond cash rewards, the Commission intends to prioritise the education, training and welfare of young athletes, including support for their coaches, in order to ensure their long-term development.

“This programme is meant to motivate young Nigerians to pursue excellence in sports while assuring them that their efforts are valued by the country,” Olopade said.

Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Honourable Wasiu Isiaka, commended President Tinubu for approving the reward system for young local athletes, describing the initiative as a major boost for grassroots sports.

Isiaka said the recognition would inspire many other talented athletes across the country and called for stronger collaboration between Ogun State and the National Sports Commission to further develop sports in the state.

An elated Majekodunmi expressed gratitude to the NSC for the recognition, noting that the reward would help improve both her training and education.

The teenage sensation also promised to raise Nigeria’s flag even higher when she competes at the Youth Olympic Games scheduled to hold in Senegal later this year.

With the Commission continuing to identify and reward emerging talents like Majekodunmi, the NSC’s grassroots-focused initiative is steadily reinforcing Nigeria’s pipeline of future champions.