Sports

Nigeria’s Horse Racing Thrives, Eyes Global Recognition — Dangi Mustapha

Published

2 weeks ago

November 11, 2025

Cyril Ogar

The Coordinator of Renewed Hope Horse Racing, Abubakar Dangi Mustapha (Sarki Dawaki Nupe), has announced that Nigeria is on the verge of making history as the first African nation to compete in the prestigious Dubai World Cup Horse Racing event.

Speaking on NTA AM Sports Programme via Zoom on Tuesday, Mustapha said that consultations and documentation with the National Sports Commission are ongoing to ensure that horse racing in Nigeria is formally recognized as a federation with an elected board.
“We are committed to making horse racing a truly national sport, accessible to all Nigerians,” Mustapha stated. “Our goal is to expand competitions nationwide, beyond the northern regions, and ensure participation from across the country.”

He highlighted the remarkable growth of Nigerian horse racing, noting, “Two years ago, horse racing was mostly a local affair. Today, we have strengthened and expanded the sport. Last year, we hosted seven major races featuring participants from across West Africa — a major leap from races being limited to a few states.

“This December, we open a new season, and we have applied for Nigeria to compete in the Dubai World Cup. If approved, Nigeria will make history as the first African country to participate — a true milestone for the nation.”

Historically a largely local sport, horse racing and equestrian activities in Nigeria have gained increased federal recognition in recent years. Mustapha revealed that the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria is in the final stages of official approval, after which elections will be conducted, aligning it with other national sports federations.

“Nigeria has worked closely with the National Sports Commission over the past year,” Mustapha explained. “After several meetings and the submission of all required documents, we are awaiting final clearance to conduct elections.”

A key development in Nigeria’s rise is the breeding of hybrid horses locally. Previously, the country relied on imports from Argentina, Sudan, Niger, and Cameroon. Today, the federation has developed the “Niger Breed” — horses born and bred in Nigeria with the strength and endurance to compete internationally. This marks the first time in over 60 years that Nigeria has produced a local breed capable of competing on the global stage.

Horse racing is now driving economic growth, with professional training and management of 300–500 horses nationwide. Events attract hundreds to thousands of spectators over two-week periods, boosting local economies through hospitality, markets, and city commerce. Beyond the economic impact, the sport fosters cultural exchange, drawing participants and spectators from multiple countries.

Mustapha emphasized that horse racing is inclusive: “While ownership requires investment, our events and entertainment are open to all. About 90–95% of spectators are ordinary Nigerians.”

With the creation of the Niger Breed and Nigeria’s growing international presence, the federation has applied through multilateral channels to secure a spot in the Dubai World Cup Horse Racing. Approval will mark a historic first for Africa, positioning Nigeria as a rising hub for horse breeding and trading on par with countries like Argentina.

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Sports

Team Nigeria Records Best-Ever Performance at Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh

Published

1 day ago

November 23, 2025

The Gleamer

…Finishes 8th on overall standings, secures Africa’s second best placement

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria finished eighth on the medals table with a total of 30 medals, marking its best-ever performance at the Islamic Solidarity Games, while Turkey emerged at the top of the standings.

This year has been a remarkable success for the National Sports Commission, which has supported more than 40 sports federations in attending international competitions, many of whom have delivered outstanding performances and secured medals – the count includes taekwondo, swimming, cricket, para-powerlifting, para-badminton, among others.

Nigeria’s haul, comprised 11 gold, 12 silver, and 7 bronze, a result that reinforces the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) strategic direction of sending only athletes with strong podium prospects to major international events.

Competing in seven sports, Taekwondo, Boxing, Athletics, Wrestling, Weightlifting, Para-Powerlifting, and Para-Athletics, the team delivered an unprecedented outcome, winning medals in every sports they competed in .

Weightlifting led Nigeria’s medal haul with 6 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze, followed by Athletics, which secured 2 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze. Wrestling added 2 gold and 2 silver, Para-Powerlifting contributed 1 gold, while Boxing and Para-Athletics each earned 1 silver. Taekwondo completed the tally with 1 bronze medal.

Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, praised the team’s exceptional outing, stating:

“It is not a coincidence that Nigeria won medals in every sport we participated in at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games. This achievement reflects the new direction we have taken in sports development. After meeting with our team at the Commission and the Elite and Podium Board led by Yusuf Ali, we made a deliberate decision to bring only podium prospects to Riyadh and today, that decision has paid off.”

He added that the performance in Riyadh sets the standard for future international engagements:

“From Boxing to Taekwondo, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Track and Field and Powerlifting, Nigeria secured medals in every sport we entered. This is the new benchmark at the National Sports Commission, guiding our preparations for upcoming competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and ultimately, the Olympics.”

Officials stated that Team Nigeria’s record-breaking finish in Riyadh marks a defining moment in the country’s sporting evolution and strengthens its position as a rising force in global multi-sport competitions.

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