Sports
NSC Pushes for Excellence as Sports Officers’ Undergo Training
By Joel Ajayi
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has urged sports officers across the country to leverage their expertise in driving innovation and implementing modern techniques to accelerate the growth and development of Nigeria’s sports sector.
NSC Chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, gave the charge on Tuesday in Abuja during a two-day workshop themed “Striving for Excellence.” The workshop was designed to empower NSC personnel—key drivers of the Commission’s new agenda—with the tools, knowledge, and mindset needed to enhance productivity and service delivery across the sports ecosystem.
The training, with the theme “Reset, Refocus, and Relaunch of the Nigerian Sports Sector for Greater Performance,” aims to create a more vibrant and economically viable sports industry in the country.
Describing sports officers as the engine room of the Commission, Dikko emphasized their pivotal role in policy implementation and sectoral transformation.
“We are counting on sports officers because they are the ones translating the Commission’s policies and vision into action,” he stated.
“This gathering gives us the opportunity to engage, communicate our goals, and help them understand the direction we’re taking. Once they own the vision, they can effectively drive and implement it.”
Dikko noted that the workshop is just the beginning of a continuous development initiative.
“This won’t be a one-off training. Our plan is to institutionalize this process, ensuring that the vision and focus become part of the Commission’s culture—sustainable regardless of who is in charge.
“That way, future leaders will inherit a competent, capable workforce ready to carry the torch.”
In his goodwill message, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President, Habu Gumel, commended the program, calling it a valuable initiative for the capacity development of sports officers.
“This training will enhance your knowledge and performance, ultimately benefiting the entire sector.”
Also speaking, the Director of the Federation of Elite Athletes Department at the NSC, Olumide Bamiduro, noted that the initiative is part of the Commission’s broader vision to develop a thriving sports economy.
“It is essential to train our sports officers with up-to-date knowledge and global best practices, particularly at the elite level,” he said. “This is a critical step toward unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s sports economy.”
He encouraged participants to take full advantage of the workshop to advance sports development at all levels.
The Workshop continues on Wednesday with papers presentation in the morning on ‘Change Management in National Sports Federations, and Remodeling Sports Governance and Development in Nigeria’ by Barr. Musa Ahmadu and HRH Alhassan Saleh Yakmut respectively.
Lunch Break will witness session 7 and 8 with papers presentation by Dem Samuel Ogbondeminu and Mr. Olusoji Adeniran on “Keeping National Federation Compliant in the Anti-Doping Chain and Mastering Organizational Skills for Work Proficiency and Performance” respectively.
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
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