As of January 9, 2025, the establishment of the National Sports Commission (NSC) has ignited a wave of optimism within the Nigerian sports community.
This pivotal development comes with a substantial budget allocation of over ₦78 billion dedicated to sports development for the year 2025, signaling a renewed commitment from the government to enhance the country’s sports landscape.
Prominent basketball promoter Igoche Mark has been vocal about the potential of the NSC to revitalize the sports sector. In his recent statements, Mark emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes that have hindered progress in Nigerian sports.
He urged sports administrators to adopt a governance framework that prioritizes professionalism and accountability within various sports federations. Mark highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by key federations, including the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), which have been plagued by internal conflicts and leadership issues.
The NSC must cleanse these federations of ineffective leadership if it hopes to succeed in its mission, he stated.
The ₦78 billion budget is expected to be allocated towards improving infrastructure, talent development, and creating a sustainable sports ecosystem. The NSC aims to transform sports into a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economy, targeting a contribution of 5% to the nation’s GDP by 2027.
Mark also expressed hope for Nigerian athletes, urging them to seize the opportunities presented by this new framework. With the right support and infrastructure in place, our athletes can shine on the global stage, he remarked.
In his message, Mark reached out to passionate fans of Nigerian sports, encouraging them to continue their unwavering support for athletes and teams. He emphasized that fan enthusiasm serves as a vital source of motivation for athletes striving for success.
As Nigeria embarks on this new chapter in its sports history, stakeholders are hopeful that the NSC will bring about meaningful changes that will elevate Nigerian sports on both continental and global platforms.
The commitment to reform and investment in sports infrastructure is seen as a crucial step toward achieving long-term success in various sporting disciplines.
