Military to produce athletes for Nigeria at 2028 Olympics — NSC Chairman

By Tosin Omojola

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has expressed optimism about a bright future for Nigerian sports at the 2028 Olympic Games following the impressive display of talent at the ongoing African Military Games.

Dikko, who is set to attend the final of the athletics events on Sunday evening, has been present at several competitions held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

He stated that the talent on display suggests Nigeria could identify athletes for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics from this year’s African Military Games.

“It was quite a brilliant game. You could see the two teams were evenly matched, with the game going into extra time and a goal scored in the last minute. Very entertaining and competitive. I must congratulate the CDS for organizing these games—it was quite remarkable.

“In the past, we discovered many talented athletes within the armed forces who went on to represent the national team,” Dikko remarked.

He continued, “That’s what we’re hoping to achieve here—not just in football but in other sports as well. Perhaps by the next Olympics, we’ll see many of the athletes who participated in these Military Games representing Nigeria. It has been a very well-organized event.”

Dikko also reaffirmed his commitment to sports development at all levels in Nigeria.

“Sports development will cut across all levels—grassroots, state, zonal, and national. Whether professional, amateur, or elite, Nigerians should expect robust growth in sports across the board,” he said.