By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Nigeria’s push to rebuild its sporting strength from the ground up has received fresh momentum, as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeyinka Adeboye, called for deeper collaboration among stakeholders following a high-level meeting with Philip Shaibu.
Speaking to journalists after a closed-door session with the Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Adeboye stressed that sustainable success in Nigerian sports must be anchored on a vibrant grassroots system driven by partnerships, expertise, and deliberate investment.
He highlighted the critical role of the Nigeria Federation of Grassroots Sports (NFGS), noting that meaningful progress would remain elusive without structured collaboration with grassroots-focused institutions.
“Grassroots sports is the foundation of national success. Without working closely with bodies like NFGS and bringing in the right experts, it will be difficult to achieve real impact,” Adeboye said.
National Summit in the Works
As part of efforts to reposition the sector, Adeboye revealed plans to convene a National Grassroots Sports Development Summit, which will bring together experts from across Nigeria and beyond.
The summit is expected to generate actionable strategies to accelerate grassroots sports growth and improve talent discovery nationwide.
He added that previously planned grassroots tennis initiatives were paused due to the election cycle but disclosed that a broader, more comprehensive development programme has already been submitted and is awaiting presidential approval.
Backing Tinubu’s Sports Vision
Adeboye commended Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing experienced professionals into key sports leadership roles, describing the move as a clear signal of the administration’s commitment to revitalizing the sector.
He cited figures such as Shehu Dikko and Olopade, alongside Shaibu, as part of a capable team positioned to drive meaningful reforms.
“With the calibre of people in place, we have no excuse not to deliver. The President has given us the support—we must now justify that confidence,” he stated.
Leveraging Experience, Delivering Results
Adeboye described his engagement with Shaibu as a strategic move to tap into the NIS boss’s extensive experience in sports administration and governance.
“I have known him for over 25 years. The NIS is pivotal to our success, and I will continue to seek his counsel as we move forward,” he said.
He, however, issued a note of accountability, stressing that failure to deliver would reflect on all stakeholders involved in the current sports leadership structure.
A Call for Patience—and Optimism
While urging Nigerians to remain patient with ongoing reforms, Adeboye expressed confidence that the country is on a steady path toward reclaiming its global sporting stature.
“We are already a giant in Africa. Our performances in basketball, boxing, and other sports show clear progress. With sustained effort, Nigeria will rise to the top again,” he said.
With renewed focus on grassroots development and a coordinated national strategy in the pipeline, stakeholders say the coming months could prove decisive in shaping the future of sports in Nigeria.
