By Joel Ajayi

The remarkable turnaround for Mallam Shehu Dikko serves as a powerful reminder that “one with God is more than the majority.”

The turbulent waters of sports politics almost swept him away. Bruised and battered by the machinations of his rivals, Dikko’s good name faced intense scrutiny. In 2016, on his way to Warri, Delta State, to contest for the position of President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), he was reportedly detained in Lokoja over an issue unrelated to sports. This attempt to block his ambitions was a testament to the lengths some would go to halt the Kaduna-born administrator.

In 2019, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) implicated Dikko in allegations of mismanaging $2.7 million from FIFA’s Financial Assistance Programme during his tenure at the NFF. The ICPC subsequently seized several of his properties. However, the Federal High Court dismissed the case after an order from the then Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, instructed a withdrawal of the charges. Through it all, Dikko remained focused on his mission to develop Nigerian football, contributing significantly to the league’s growth.

Though he contested the NFF presidency again in the 2023 Edo election, he lost due to unexpected opposition. Many assumed this would mark the end of Dikko’s influence in Nigerian sports. However, fate had different plans. Like Mordecai in the Bible, Dikko’s dedication and contributions were finally acknowledged, and he was appointed Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) by President Bola Tinubu. His new role marks a pivotal restructuring within Nigeria’s sports sector.

Dikko’s appointment signifies not only a redemption but a multiplication of honor. Initially aspiring to lead a single sports federation, he now oversees over 40 as head of the NSC. This unprecedented responsibility demonstrates the level of trust vested in him. Previously serving as Vice President of the NFF and Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), Dikko brought strategic insight and growth to Nigerian football.

His track record as CEO of the LMC, where he notably enhanced the financial value of Nigeria’s football league, attests to his vision and commitment to both performance and commercial success. As a top sports administrator, Dikko’s expertise is expected to bring impactful changes to Nigeria’s sports landscape. However, the task ahead remains daunting. Revitalizing the nation’s sports sector will require collaboration across a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including sports federations, athletes, corporate bodies, and government agencies.

Dikko has set out ambitious goals, emphasizing that his role extends beyond sports competitions. He envisions the NSC as an institution that shapes lives, fosters economic growth, and builds community. “My aim is to see sports as an integral part of Nigeria’s development agenda, not as an afterthought,” he said recently.

Though challenges persist—such as funding constraints, inadequate facilities, and limited athlete support—many believe that Dikko’s leadership could usher in a transformation. His ambitious plans for the NSC have sparked cautious optimism that Nigeria’s sports sector can become a model for development across Africa.

As Dikko embarks on this new journey, Nigerians remain hopeful that under his leadership, sports can become a unifying force, a robust economic driver, and a source of national pride.

Joel Ajayi is a sports writer and analyst based in Abuja.

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