Exactly one year after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu restructured Nigeria’s sports administration by restoring the National Sports Commission (NSC), the results are nothing short of transformative.
Under the leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, the NSC has breathed new life into Nigerian sports through bold reforms and athlete-centered policies.
At the heart of this success is the “Athletes First” policy, which revived the Elite and Podium Board, ensuring athletes receive training grants and logistical support well before competitions — a move that’s already paying off globally.
To nurture grassroots talent, the NSC introduced the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) initiative — now the symbolic “38th state” at the National Sports Festival — offering rising athletes national exposure and competition experience.
Through strategic public-private partnerships, over ₦50 billion has flowed into the sports economy, while new COO structures in federations like Rugby, Badminton, and E-sports have boosted professionalism and accountability.
The Commission’s RHINSE Campaign (Renewed Hope for Nigeria’s Sports Economy) has also rebranded Nigeria as a preferred host for global sporting events, drawing competitions such as the Africa Traditional Wrestling Championship, CAA U18/U20 Championships, and the E1 Boat Race to Nigerian shores.
Crucially, the long-delayed Anti-Doping Bill has now been passed, safeguarding fair play across all competitions.
Partnerships with the Ministry of Education have revived school sports, rekindling inter-school games at all levels, from primary to tertiary.
Female inclusion has surged, with the Association of Former Female Athletes of Nigeria (AFFAN) now guaranteed representation on federation boards.
From cricket to swimming, Nigeria’s performance on the international stage has soared. The U-19 Cricket Team reached its first-ever World Cup quarterfinal, the Super Falcons reclaimed continental glory, and Nigeria’s Para Powerlifters ranked second in the world in Egypt.
The NSC’s proactive engagement has also reignited Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes, backed by the newly created Presidential Support Group.
In one short year, the Commission has redefined the nation’s sporting identity — proving that with vision, integrity, and leadership, Nigerian sports can truly stand tall on the world stage.