Nigeria’s Sports Facilities Unmatched in Africa, Says NSC Boss

Nigeria’s Sports Facilities Unmatched in Africa, Says NSC Boss

By Niyi Busari 

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has asserted that Nigeria possesses the most extensive network of sports infrastructure across Africa, despite lingering concerns over the condition of many facilities.

Dikko made this known while speaking on the sidelines of the African Union Sports Council Region II meeting in Abuja. He highlighted the country’s wide distribution of stadiums and sporting venues as a critical advantage in its ambition to become a leading sports hub on the continent.

While acknowledging the breadth of infrastructure, he emphasized the urgent need to improve standards through proper maintenance, upgrades, and alignment with global best practices.

“We must upscale the level of our infrastructure and ensure they are maintained the right way,” Dikko stated, noting that with the required improvements, Nigeria would be well-positioned to host major international competitions at short notice across multiple locations.

He identified the Niger Delta region as a strategic cluster, citing facilities in Delta State, Edo State, Akwa Ibom State, and Cross River State as capable of jointly hosting large-scale sporting events.

Dikko further explained that the Abuja meeting was convened to harmonize sports development strategies among African nations under a unified framework promoted by the African Union. According to him, the forum provides an opportunity for participating countries to exchange ideas, compare policies, and adopt best practices.

He revealed that several countries have expressed strong interest in Nigeria’s current sports reforms, particularly efforts aimed at repositioning the sector as a driver of economic growth and social development.

The NSC chairman also disclosed that assessment teams from the African Union recently concluded a two-day inspection of Nigeria’s preparations related to the African Games, expressing satisfaction with the country’s infrastructure and overall potential.

As part of efforts to strengthen the sector, Dikko announced that the Federal Government has approved the establishment of a National Sports Infrastructure Development Board. The proposed body will be responsible for mobilizing resources for the rehabilitation and upgrade of sports facilities nationwide, covering both elite and grassroots development.

He added that the initiative would play a crucial role in unlocking Nigeria’s capacity to host major sporting events and fully harness the economic and social benefits of sports.