A Year of Change: How the NSC Is Building a Stronger Sporting Nation - Abayomi Ogunjinmi

A Year of Change: How the NSC Is Building a Stronger Sporting Nation - Abayomi Ogunjinmi 

By Admin 

One year after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu revived the National Sports Commission (NSC), Nigeria’s sports sector is experiencing a remarkable transformation driven by a renewed vision and strategic leadership.

The appointment of Mallam Shehu Dikko as Chairman and Mr. Bukola Olapade as Director General in 2024 marked the beginning of a new era—one defined by innovation, inclusion, and athlete-centered development. What began as a structural realignment has since evolved into a wide-ranging reform agenda that is reshaping the country’s sporting landscape.

As President of the Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club (ANFASSC), I have witnessed first-hand the impact of the Commission’s dynamic leadership. Over the past 12 months, the NSC has introduced sweeping changes—moving from rhetoric to results in areas ranging from athlete development to administrative reform.

Among the Commission’s notable achievements is the award of hosting rights for the next National Sports Festival to Enugu State—a decision underscoring its commitment to regional representation and grassroots engagement.

The establishment of the Elite Athlete Development Podium Board has provided Nigeria’s top talents with world-class support structures, while the Invited Junior Athlete (IJA) Program is creating a pipeline for identifying and nurturing young athletes from schools and communities nationwide.

Administrative reforms have also been front and center. The appointment of Chief Operating Officers (COOs) across sports federations and the realignment of Secretary Generals aim to improve transparency, professionalism, and performance across the board.

On the international stage, the formation of a Presidential Support Group for the World Cup reflects a renewed synergy between government and stakeholders, aimed at bolstering national teams with adequate resources and morale support.

Nigeria also hosted the 13th ECOWAS Traditional Wrestling Tournament for the first time in its history, signaling the country’s growing leadership in African sports diplomacy and cultural celebration.

Policy progress has been equally significant. The signing of the Anti-Doping Bill positions Nigeria alongside nations committed to clean and ethical sports. This is complemented by the Athletes Support and Training Grant, which provides direct financial assistance to athletes—a long-overdue step in prioritizing athlete welfare.

A standout feature of the NSC’s agenda is the RHINSE Framework—an acronym for Reform, Harmonize, Integrate, Nurture, Sustain, and Empower. This strategic blueprint has become the guiding force behind the Commission’s mission to create a holistic and sustainable sports ecosystem.

Youth engagement and digital innovation have also received attention with the creation of the Nigeria E-Sports Federation and the Gaming Industry Development Initiative (GIDI), both of which tap into the growing economic and cultural influence of gaming among young Nigerians.

Beyond programs and policy, the Commission has focused on leadership development, introducing capacity-building initiatives for sports administrators nationwide.

A symbolic development during this period was the recent appointment of Eric Chelle as Head Coach of the Super Eagles—an action that signals a new chapter for Nigerian football built on accountability, competence, and renewed ambition.

In just one year, the NSC has demonstrated that Nigerian sports can thrive under visionary leadership and well-structured governance. The Commission has laid a solid foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous sports sector, where athletes are supported, stakeholders are aligned, and national pride is restored.

On behalf of ANFASSC, I extend warm congratulations to Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, Director General Mr. Bukola Olapade, and the entire team at the NSC. We remain unwavering in our support for their efforts to elevate Nigerian sports to global standards, Abayomi said.

This anniversary is more than a milestone—it is a movement. A renaissance. A reaffirmation that with the right vision, Nigeria’s sporting future is bright, united, and full of promise.

Prince Abayomi Ogunjimi is the President of Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club (ANFASSC)