Sports
Shooting Federation Targets Olympic Glory with Security, Digital Reforms, Global Sponsorship Drive
By Joel Ajayi
The Nigeria Shooting Sport Federation (NSSF) has unveiled a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at transforming the sport into a globally competitive discipline capable of delivering Olympic medals for Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists, NSSF President, Commodore Shettima Mohammed Shagir, said the federation’s new strategic direction is built on strengthened security partnerships, digital registration, athlete integrity screening and aggressive corporate sponsorship to reposition shooting sports nationwide.
According to Shagir, one of the federation’s landmark achievements since he assumed office has been forging strategic relationships with key government institutions responsible for firearms regulation and national security.
He disclosed that the federation has engaged the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons to secure formal recognition as one of the authorised institutions permitted to manage sporting firearms in Nigeria.
“Before now, many of these institutions were not fully aware of the federation’s activities. We have taken deliberate steps to establish that institutional identity,” he said.
As part of efforts to strengthen governance and credibility, the federation president revealed that the Inspector-General of Police has accepted to serve as the Grand Patron of the federation and will collaborate on firearm licensing as well as character assessments for registered members.
Shagir further disclosed that the federation has secured the support of the nation’s armed forces. He noted that the Chief of Naval Staff has already overseen the successful staging of the Nigerian Navy’s maiden Small Arms Shooting Sports Competition as part of the service’s anniversary celebrations.
He added that the Chief of Army Staff has approved the establishment of a Nigerian Army Shooting Sports Team, while the Nigerian Air Force has also embraced the initiative, creating a unified military platform for the development of shooting sports.
According to him, the collaboration among the Army, Navy and Air Force will provide regular competitions, expand the talent pool and promote stronger synergy between military personnel and civilian athletes.
To reinforce safety and public confidence, the federation is also introducing stringent screening procedures for prospective members.
Shagir disclosed that consultant psychiatrists have been engaged to conduct mandatory mental health evaluations for intending participants before admission into the federation.
In addition, the NSSF is in discussions with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to integrate digital identity verification into its online registration system.
Under the proposed framework, intending members will register digitally, undergo police character assessments, obtain medical fitness certification and have their firearm details captured in a central database before being licensed to participate.
He explained that the reforms are designed to ensure transparency, accountability and responsible ownership of sporting firearms while preventing misuse.
Only legally approved sporting firearms—including the 12-gauge shotgun, .22 calibre rifle and air rifle—will be recognised under the federation’s regulatory framework.
Looking ahead, Shagir said the federation’s long-term objective is to move Nigeria beyond mere Olympic participation to genuine medal contention.
“Our target is to ensure that Nigeria is represented at the Olympics as a nation capable of winning medals, not just making up the numbers,” he stated.
On funding, the NSSF president commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC), particularly Chairman Malam Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade, for encouraging sports federations to pursue sustainable private-sector partnerships.
He also praised the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, for supporting reforms aimed at strengthening sports administration in the country.
According to Shagir, the NSC’s recommendation that every sports federation appoint a Chief Operating Officer dedicated to sponsorship and corporate engagement will significantly enhance funding opportunities.
He noted that while corporate organisations seek visibility through sports, federations require sustainable financial support, making sponsorship a mutually beneficial partnership.
The federation president revealed that discussions are already at an advanced stage with one of the world’s leading sporting firearms manufacturers, which has agreed in principle to become a major sponsor of the NSSF.
Although he declined to disclose the company’s identity pending the completion of formal agreements, he described the proposed partnership as a major breakthrough that will accelerate the federation’s growth.
He added that negotiations are also ongoing with several other corporate organisations as the federation intensifies efforts to build a sustainable structure capable of making shooting one of Nigeria’s leading medal-winning sports on the international stage.
Sports
NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu
Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and remarkable capacity to excel on the global stage, particularly through sports.
Hon. Olopade said Nigeria at 66 is an occasion every Nigerian should be proud of, noting that despite the challenges encountered over the years, the country has continued to make significant progress and produce achievements capable of inspiring generations.
The DG said the sports sector has particular reasons to celebrate, pointing to a series of performances and milestones by Nigerian athletes and teams across the global sporting landscape.
“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our people, the strength of our unity and our belief in the promise of our great country, especially through sports.
“As we raise our flag with pride, may we remain committed to building a nation where every Nigerian has the opportunity to dream, thrive and succeed.”
Hon. Olopade said the progress being witnessed in Nigerian sports aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Development (RHINSE), which he said is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for athletes, while positioning sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and global recognition.
He pointed to Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the latest examples of the country’s sporting potential. Team Nigeria returned from Glasgow with 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, finishing seventh overall and as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. The campaign also produced three world records and a number of historic milestones across para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, para athletics and judo.
Among the standout performances was that of Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who won gold in para powerlifting and twice broke the world record during the competition, ultimately lifting 175kg. Goodness Nwachukwu also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s para discus and set a new world record, while Nigeria recorded historic Commonwealth gold medals through Samuel Ogazi in the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put.
“Today, Nigeria is a global force in para-sports, and athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Goodness Nwachukwu continue to demonstrate the extraordinary talent and determination that exist within our country,” Hon. Olopade said.
He also celebrated the continued dominance of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, which in 2025 became the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final in Abidjan in the last edition. The achievement extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pathway.
On the global athletics scene, Hon. Olopade highlighted the continued excellence of Tobi Amusan and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sprinters. Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September 2026, clocking 12.34 seconds in the final, while Kayinsola Ajayi added another significant milestone by winning Commonwealth bronze in the men’s 100m and helping Nigeria to bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay in Glasgow.
Nigeria’s football heritage, Hon. Olopade noted, remains another major source of national pride. The country holds the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, with five championships won by the Golden Eaglets in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.
He also pointed to the country’s growing influence in emerging sports, including flag football. Nigeria made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship in Cairo in 2025, earning qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.
“These achievements across athletics, para-sports, basketball, football, weightlifting, flag football and other sports remind us that Nigeria possesses immense sporting talent,” the DG said.
“From our champions who continue to break world records to our young athletes who are announcing themselves on the international stage, the Nigerian flag continues to fly with pride around the world. This is why the development of sports must remain a national priority. Our responsibility is not only to celebrate champions after they emerge, but to build the systems, facilities, competitions and opportunities that allow more young Nigerians to become champions.”
“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we celebrate Nigeria’s past, but we must also look confidently toward the future. Our athletes have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation and support. The task before us is to ensure that more Nigerians have that opportunity,” the DG added.
“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary. May our great nation continue to grow in strength, unity, prosperity and sporting excellence,” Hon. Olopade concluded.
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