Water FC President Makanjuola Nureni Partners with NOC to Advance Youth Sports Development

Water FC President Makanjuola Nureni Partners with NOC to Advance Youth Sports Development

By Niyi Busari 

President of Water FC and renowned sports philanthropist, Makanjuola Nureni, popularly known as MK, has expressed his commitment to deepening grassroots sports development in Nigeria through a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).

MK paid a courtesy visit to NOC President, Engineer Habu Gumel, in Abuja on Sunday. The meeting focused on creating a sustainable platform aimed at empowering Nigerian youth through sports.

For over two decades, Nureni has quietly supported the dreams of many aspiring athletes across the country, funding their training and facilitating exposure to competitive opportunities—especially in football.

Speaking during the visit, MK reaffirmed his desire to continue contributing meaningfully to Nigeria's sports ecosystem.

 “This visit is about strengthening my commitment to the development of Nigerian sports and identifying areas where we can collaborate with the NOC to give more young people a chance to succeed through sports,” he said.

The Water FC CEO emphasized the vital role of sports in tackling youth unemployment and promoting national unity, calling for more collaborative efforts between the private sector and sports governing bodies. “Sports is a powerful tool that can create real opportunities for millions of Nigerian youth. We must use it strategically to unlock their potential,” he added.

The NOC President, Engineer Gumel, welcomed the gesture and praised MK’s longstanding contributions to grassroots development, describing him as a “silent pillar” of Nigerian sports.