There is a quiet revolution reshaping the landscape of Nigerian sports. At its core is a bold, forward-thinking strategy by the National Sports Commission (NSC) that is already producing visible results.
Central to this transformation is a fresh approach to one of the most critical layers of the sports system—the secretaries of national sports federations.
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In a move hailed by industry observers as both strategic and timely, the NSC recently undertook a comprehensive reshuffle, redeploying secretaries to federations where their expertise, passion, and vision align more closely with the unique needs of each sport. The results have been swift and significant.
One standout success is the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). Under the leadership of Secretary Isreal Inwang, the federation has launched an ambitious initiative—Raising Athletics Champions Everywhere (RACE). Endorsed by World Athletics with grant funding, RACE marks a major leap in grassroots development.
The program targets children aged 6 to 14, embedding the globally recognized Kids’ Athletics program into schools across the country. With plans to train 1,000 PE teachers and engage 4,000 young athletes annually through sustainable school clubs, RACE also features a national tracking system to monitor progress from beginner to elite level. By reaching 774 schools each year, it aligns with the World Plan for Athletics and strengthens the foundation for long-term excellence.
The impact of dynamic secretarial leadership is evident across other sports as well. In cricket, the Nigerian U-19 team made history by finishing 5th at the World Cup—an extraordinary feat for a nation once seen as an outsider in the sport. The turnaround is a product of strategic groundwork laid by the newly appointed secretary of the Nigeria Cricket Federation.
Basketball has witnessed a similar resurgence. Despite a slow start in the AfroBasket qualifiers, D’Tigers mounted a dramatic comeback to clinch qualification. The performance was a direct result of behind-the-scenes planning and revitalized administration from the basketball federation’s secretariat.
Para-badminton has also seen Nigerian athletes winning medals on the international stage, from Spain’s tournaments to the African Championships in Cameroon. Table tennis remains a continental stronghold, with Nigerian players shining on the ITTF circuit and securing international qualifications.
The nation’s Paralympians are making their mark too. At the time of reporting, Nigeria had already secured three gold medals in Jordan—proof of the ongoing commitment to excellence across all disciplines.
These outcomes are not accidental. They reflect the visionary leadership at the NSC, particularly Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade, who have championed a model of “positive disruption.” Their mission to restructure, refocus, and reset Nigerian sports is bearing fruit—not only in terms of medals and rankings, but in renewed public and institutional confidence.
A prime example is last month’s national age-grade swimming tournament, aimed at discovering and nurturing future champions. This event underscores a long-term strategy built around sustainability, development, and discipline—a far cry from the reactive model of the past.
In this new era, federation secretaries are no longer just bureaucratic placeholders—they are the visionaries driving a renaissance. Through passion, innovation, and steadfast commitment, they are building a stronger, more competitive sports ecosystem. The phrase “new thinking” is no longer a buzzword. It is a movement—one that is propelling Nigerian sports to unprecedented heights.
