Sports
Infrastructures Are Key to Sports Development”, Sunday Dare Explains Reasons For His Administration’s Infrastructure Drive
One of the hallmarks that has added the success of Hon. Sunday Dare as Nigeria’s Youth and Sports Minister is the unprecedented revamp of sports infrastructures in the country.
Since the start of Sunday Dare’s tenure, the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja has been revived and has gone on to pass the FIFA and CAF test, as it has hosted a number of international matches. Also, the National Stadium, Surulere which was abandoned for years is on the verge of being completely turned around. Moreso, the Daura Township Stadium has been transformed for the utilization of about 45 teams in the area, after the famous ground was left to rot. The Ahmadu Bello Stadium and other facilities are also set for transformation under the wholesome plans of the ministry, led by Hon. Sunday Dare.
Speaking on this infrastructure development drive, Sunday Dare said “we came to the realization that at the heart of sports development is to have infrastructures and facilities that are befitting for such lofty ambitions. So my team and I, set out a grand plan to change the narrative on sports infrastructures in Nigeria”.
“Due to the capital-intensive nature of these projects, we engaged the private sector to see how we could leverage on public-private partnerships and we brought the private sector on board”.
One of the transformed infrastructures is the Moshood Abiola Stadium. A once abandoned edifice has now hosted the Super Eagles, the Super Falcons, the Falconets (U-20 Girls), the Flying Eagles (U-20 Boys), the Flamingoes (U-17 Girls), Golden Eaglets (U-17 Boys), as well as NPFL Matches, all in the space of one year. The stadium is also compliant with the VAR technology, modern FIFA-approved technical and players’ bench amongst others.
Answering further, the Minister said, “when we started, we visited FIFA, and at that point, we all agreed that a football nation as big as Nigeria cannot be suffering a huge gap in Infrastructures and we set out to correct this anomaly. We are not where we want to be, but we will not stop working to get as many facilities as a possibile up to scratch. We are not just upgrading our facilities, we are also putting up maintenance deals because this is the only way to guarantee their longevity”.
While this drive continues, one could posit that, in the coming years, Nigeria will be able to compete with contemporaries on its sporting infrastructures.
Sports
NSC DG, Hon. Bukola Olopade Wins Sports Administrator of the Year at New Telegraph Awards
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has been honoured with the prestigious Sports Administrator of the Year award at the New Telegraph Awards, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to sports development in Nigeria.
The award, which took place on Friday, celebrated Olopade’s transformative leadership, administrative excellence and longstanding commitment to building sustainable sports structures across the country.
A seasoned sports administrator, Olopade has served twice as Commissioner for Sports in Ogun State, where he spearheaded progressive reforms and talent development initiatives. His leadership footprint also spans multiple strategic roles within Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.
He is a former President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, where he championed inclusivity and the advancement of para-sports.
He also served as Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria National League (NNL), strengthening operational efficiency and league management structures.
In the private sector, Hon. Olopade was Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, playing a key role in delivering internationally recognised sporting events and elevating Nigeria’s profile in global road racing.
Under his current role at the National Sports Commission, in conjunction with the chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Nigerian sports has witnessed renewed hope, improved coordination and enhanced stakeholder confidence.
The New Telegraph Award further affirms his impact-driven leadership and dedication to repositioning Nigerian sports on both continental and global stages.
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