By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has opened discussions with global sportswear brand Puma over a long-term partnership following Team Nigeria’s impressive outing at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Speaking during a world press conference at the Team Nigeria Puma Afrobeat House in Glasgow on Wednesday, the Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, described the partnership with Puma as productive and expressed optimism about a stronger collaboration ahead of future international competitions.
Olopade said the commission’s experience with Puma as Team Nigeria’s official kit sponsor for the Games has been positive, adding that the partnership played a key role in the country’s preparations for the competition.
“Our intentions were deliberate from the moment we assumed office. President Bola Tinubu gave us the mandate to build an ecosystem driven by the economics of sports, and we are delighted to have Puma alongside us on this journey,” he said.
The NSC boss noted that the commission, under the leadership of Chairman Shehu Dikko and himself, remains committed to improving athletes’ welfare and creating a lasting legacy in Nigerian sports.
According to him, Team Nigeria’s smooth campaign in Glasgow is a reflection of the welfare initiatives introduced by the commission, including the prompt payment of allowances, bonuses and rewards.
“We are determined to create lasting legacies. This Games has been seamless because of the excellent welfare package put in place for the athletes, and this is only the beginning as we prepare for bigger challenges, including the Olympic Games,” Olopade added.
He further described the Commonwealth Games as a crucial stepping stone towards the Olympics, expressing confidence that Nigeria can surpass its previous achievements on the global stage.
Chief Executive Officer of PRL, Ayo Amusan, whose company represents Puma in Nigeria, praised the partnership and expressed excitement over the future of the collaboration with Team Nigeria.
Also speaking, Puma’s Head of Team Sport, Bastien De Toledo, described the agreement as the start of a promising journey, adding that the company is optimistic about the future of Nigerian sports under the current NSC leadership.
The event was attended by several key stakeholders, including President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Habu Gumel; Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Philip Shaibu; President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Tony Okowa; and President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Dr Ibrahim Abdul.
Former NSC Director-Generals, Dr Amos Adamu, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye and Alhassan Yakmut, who are serving as Team Nigeria ambassadors at the Games, also graced the occasion and commended the direction of Nigerian sports under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade.
