Revitalising Nigerian sports: A call for a renewed intervention, by Olabode Opeseitan

In a viral video from the ongoing 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, world record holder Tobi Amusan decried the substandard kits issued to Nigerian athletes—a stark indictment of systemic neglect. This is not a crisis that can be resolved by the same administrators who presided over its decay.

President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated goodwill and strategic intent in repositioning Nigerian sports. His appointments—such as Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade—and the turnaround mandate he issued signal a clear commitment.

Yet, reversing decades of decline demands deeper presidential intervention, akin to the success of the Irrigate Nigeria Project, through bold financial engineering, innovative funding models, and expert collaboration across borders.

Introducing the Renewed Hope Sports Revamp Initiative (RHSRI)

We propose RHSRI—a private-sector-led partnership with the National Sports Commission—to drive a comprehensive transformation of Nigerian sports. The initiative will focus on four priority disciplines: football, basketball, athletics, and lawn tennis. Through phased upgrades in infrastructure, athlete welfare, and professional development for coaches, referees, and administrators, RHSRI will be anchored in sustainable, expert-led public-private partnerships.

The appointment of the former Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu as Director-General of the National Sports Institute exemplifies President Tinubu’s reformist approach.

Sports as Economic Engine

Globally, sports is a multi-billion-dollar industry. In the United States, it contributes over $500 billion annually—more than 2% of GDP. Nigeria must emulate this model, positioning sports as a dynamic economic sector capable of uniting the nation, inspiring youth, and driving prosperity.

RHSRI Roadmap

• National Infrastructure: Renovation of Surulere and Abuja National Stadiums as flagship homes for national teams.
• Club Development: Stadium construction for every Premier League club via affordable, repayable loans.
• Grassroots Support: Targeted grants for newly promoted teams across all focus sports for five years.
• Talent Pipeline: Revamped college sports to nurture grassroots excellence.

Funding will extend beyond the Nigeria Sovereign Wealth Fund to include impact investors, international development grants, private equity, corporate sponsorships, and diaspora finance. Strategic mobilization of these resources will ignite a sports renaissance.

A Presidential Mandate for Transformation

Thanks to President Tinubu’s economic repositioning, investor confidence in Nigeria is rising. Sports must now be elevated as a premier investment frontier—no longer a side project or recycled effort, but a national priority requiring bold leadership, innovative financing, and multi-sector collaboration.

The UK’s private-sector rescue of the English Premier League offers a compelling blueprint. Like agriculture, infrastructure, and technology, sports is a transformative sector where President Tinubu’s legacy can be etched in gold.