Nigeria's School Sports Chief Takes Over ISF Africa Presidency In Serbia

Nigeria's School Sports Chief Takes Over ISF Africa Presidency In Serbia 

By Niyi Busari 

President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Olabisi Temitope Joseph, has been elected Continental President for Africa of the International School Sport Federation (ISF), becoming the first woman to hold the position, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Joseph was elected during the 2026 ISF General Assembly held in Belgrade, Serbia, on July 21.

According to the NSSF, delegates from 82 countries attended the assembly, with 79 votes cast during the election.

The federation also stated that Joseph is the first African to occupy the continental leadership position since the establishment of the ISF, marking a significant milestone for Nigeria and school sports across the continent.

Joseph has served as President of the NSSF since 2020 and was returned unopposed for a second term during the federation's 2024 General Assembly in Lagos. Before her latest election, she served as Third Vice-President of the Executive Committee of the Africa School Sport Federation from 2023.

Reacting to the development, NSSF Secretary-General Oba Funsho Usman, who attended the General Assembly in Belgrade, pledged the federation's full backing for Joseph in her new role.

"The executives, state coordinators and staff of the Nigeria School Sport Federation pledge our full support as she takes on this continental responsibility to advance school sports for African children," Usman said.

Joseph's election is expected to strengthen Nigeria's influence in the administration of school sports across Africa while providing fresh momentum for the development of youth sports and educational competitions on the continent.