The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to enhancing sports, particularly at the grassroots level, as part of a broader strategy to engage youth and promote talent development across the nation.
This announcement was made by Adeyinka Zulu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, during the final of the FCT Area Council Cup held on January 20, 2025, at the Apo Football Pitch in Abuja.
Zulu emphasized that plans are underway to engage youths from primary to tertiary institutions in various sports activities. My major plan for 2025 is for us to get it right with grassroots sports, to orientate and lecture them on why they have to participate in sports, he stated.
The initiative aims to provide young Nigerians with opportunities to develop their talents and pursue careers in sports that can benefit both themselves and their communities.
The government is also working towards implementing a 10-year Sports Master Plan, which will be overseen by the National Sports Commission (NSC). Zulu assured attendees that this plan would be pivotal in fostering a vibrant sports culture in Nigeria.
It is high time for us to ensure that our young and talented youths have something productive to do for themselves, their states, and the country, he added.
In support of these initiatives, the Nigerian government has allocated over₦78 billion in the 2025 budget specifically for sports development. This unprecedented funding is expected to facilitate infrastructure improvements, talent identification programs, and grassroots engagement efforts.
As Nigeria gears up for a busy year in sports, including preparations for major competitions like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2026 World Cup, the focus on grassroots development is seen as a crucial step towards revitalizing the nation’s sports landscape.
The government’s commitment reflects a hopeful outlook for Nigerian sports as it aims to harness the potential of its youth and foster a new generation of athletes.
