Olopade Calls for African Unity, Condemns Xenophobia During Team Nigeria Visit in Gaborone

Olopade Calls for African Unity, Condemns Xenophobia During Team Nigeria Visit in Gaborone

By Niyi Busari 

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has called for greater unity among Africans, urging citizens across the continent and in the diaspora to reject xenophobia and embrace shared identity.

Olopade made the remarks during a visit to Team Nigeria’s training camp in Gaborone ahead of the World Athletics Relays. During the session, he interacted with athletes, including South African sprint star Akani Simbine, using the opportunity to promote a message of continental solidarity.

“South Africa and Nigeria, we are one. Stop the xenophobia. Stop attacking your brothers. We are all Africans and we are one family,” Olopade said, stressing the need for peaceful coexistence.

He described sport as a powerful unifying force capable of transcending national, linguistic, and political divides. According to him, the camaraderie among athletes from different African nations training together in Gaborone offers a practical example of the unity the continent should strive for.

“Athletes from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Botswana are sharing the same track and encouraging one another. That is the Africa we want. Our young people must see that we are stronger together,” he added.

Olopade further urged political leaders, community stakeholders, and citizens to resist divisive narratives and instead strengthen the longstanding ties between African nations, particularly Nigeria and South Africa.

Highlighting the mutual support among athletes, he noted that sporting success often transcends borders. “When Simbine runs, Nigerians cheer. When our athletes win, South Africans celebrate too. That is global harmony through sport. We must extend that spirit beyond the track to our everyday lives,” he said.

Team Nigeria is currently in Botswana for final preparations ahead of the relays, where several African nations, including Nigeria and South Africa, will compete. Olopade reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to leveraging sport as a platform for diplomacy, youth development, and regional integration.