By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, met President Bola Tinubu on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to present the commission’s 2025 performance report, outline 2026 plans, and discuss Nigeria’s pending case before FIFA over alleged World Cup qualification breaches.
Speaking to State House correspondents after the meeting, Dikko described the visit as routine. He said the commission reports directly to the President.
According to him, Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the commission’s progress. The President also reaffirmed his commitment to building a sustainable sports economy.
FIFA Complaint and AFCON Verdict
Dikko addressed the pending Africa Cup of Nations verdict before FIFA. He disclosed that the Nigeria Football Federation submitted a formal complaint over alleged breaches during the World Cup qualification process.
He explained that FIFA’s independent disciplinary and ethics committees are handling the matter. The executive committee is not involved.
“We documented several breaches even before the playoffs,” Dikko said. “The NFF submitted the evidence to FIFA in line with regulations.”
However, he stressed that the move was not about being sore losers. Instead, it followed established sporting procedures.
Although Nigeria remains confident of a strong case, Dikko said the country has moved forward. “We have put the World Cup behind us. Whatever happens, it is what it is,” he added.
Presidential Backing and Funding Reforms
Dikko highlighted Tinubu’s unprecedented support for sports development. He said the President directed that sports funds must be released immediately once the budget is signed.
“Sports is time-sensitive,” Dikko noted. “Delayed funding disrupts planning and performance.”
Furthermore, he revealed that he presented a jersey to the President as appreciation for his consistent backing. Members of the National Assembly, he added, acknowledged the administration’s support during the commission’s recent budget defence.
Nigeria Declared Clean by WADA
On anti-doping reforms, Dikko confirmed that Tinubu approved the board of the Nigeria Anti-Doping Agency. The move followed the signing of the anti-doping bill last year after nearly 20 years of delay.
He explained that the decision satisfied key conditions set by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
“Nigeria has been declared a clean country in sports,” he said. “We are on the right track.”
Renewed Hope Initiative for Sports Economy
Dikko said sports performance now goes beyond medals. Instead, it focuses on economic growth and job creation.
He disclosed that sports contributed about 1.2 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product in the third quarter of 2025. Additionally, the sector attracted nearly ₦50 billion in private investment within the year.
Moreover, the sports ecosystem generated almost 140,000 jobs through direct, indirect, and induced employment.
The commission is implementing the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy. The framework aims to boost infrastructure and expand grassroots participation nationwide.
Grassroots Development and School Sports Revival
Dikko stressed the need to fast-track sports infrastructure development across the country. Both elite and grassroots sports remain priorities.
He cited the introduction of Invited Junior Athletes as the “38th state” at the last National Sports Festival. The initiative helps identify and nurture young talent.
Nigeria also recorded strong performances at the African School Games in Algeria and the African Youth Games in Angola.
Furthermore, the commission created the Intermediate Games for athletes under 18 and under 20.
Dikko disclosed ongoing collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education to revive school sports competitions. Budgetary provisions for principal’s cup tournaments have been captured for 2026.
“We have directed federations to prioritise grassroots and domestic sports,” he said. “Without that, we cannot support international participation.”
Medal Haul and 2026 Outlook
Highlighting achievements in 2025, Dikko said Nigeria won nearly 375 medals across competitions. He described the year as a turning point for structured sports development.
He concluded by noting that President Tinubu remains excited about the progress made. According to him, the administration continues to push for long-term sustainability in Nigeria’s sports economy.
