By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the development and international promotion of Nigeria’s traditional sports, announcing the creation of a dedicated budget line to support the sector.
Speaking during the National Open Championship of the Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria in Abuja, the NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, said the initiative reflects the Commission’s determination to invest in indigenous sports and unlock their potential beyond Nigeria.
Dikko said the Commission is already supporting traditional sports and is encouraging federations to strengthen ties with other African countries while exploring opportunities to take Nigerian indigenous games to the international stage.
He also pointed to growing interest from investors in Saudi Arabia in sports such as Dambe as evidence of the commercial opportunities within traditional sports.
«“It is not just about having these sports at festivals and local events. We should work to promote them and make them as international as much as we can,” Dikko said.»
He called for stronger involvement of traditional rulers, noting that they should work closely with sports federations to promote indigenous games across the country.
Dikko further disclosed that the NSC plans to support the rotation of traditional sports competitions across different regions, allowing Nigerians to experience games traditionally associated with other parts of the country.
He also stressed the importance of introducing traditional sports in schools, saying early exposure would help develop future athletes, fans and advocates of the games.
Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria, Ishaku Shehu Kuti, said the National Open Championship serves as an important platform for athlete development and preparation for national, continental and international competitions.
The federation currently oversees five traditional sports Dambe, Kokowa, Abula, Langa and Ayo and is preparing athletes for upcoming competitions, including the World Nomad Games.
Kuti said the federation is also working to expand the reach of traditional sports, with plans to take competitions to more states and expose Nigerians to the rich sporting heritage of different regions.
The National Open Championship, featuring Dambe, Kokowa, Ayo, Abula and Langa, is holding at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja from August 14 to 16, 2026.
The federation says the long-term objective is to transform Nigeria’s traditional sports from largely local competitions into globally recognised sporting disciplines.
