Sports
NASTOCE Champions Return of Ringo Sports, Pushes Sports-Tourism Synergy for Economic Growth
Joel Ajayi
Ringo Sports in the 70s offers several benefits, particularly in promoting grassroots development, youth engagement, tourism, and economic growth through sports all of sudden it faded away.
Until recent time when National Sports Tourism Conference and Exhibition NASTOCE who know the important of these sports to mankind, society and country at large come together to champion the return of the game for good health and economic prosperity to the country.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the NASTOCE on Tuesday in Abuja, the convener of the event Mohammed Sule reveals the strong relationship between sports and tourism will no doubt bring more growth and development to the country.
The event with the Theme: leveraging on the Inter-section Between Muti-sectoral MDAs to promote Sports Tourism in Nigeria gathered stakeholders across the country to champions return and revival of Ringo Sports in Nigeria.
He described sports and tourism as “sister sectors” that naturally complement each other, noting that when both industries are properly harnessed, they can significantly boost the economy and improve socio-economic growth.
According to him, several countries have successfully maximised the opportunities in sports and tourism to strengthen their economies, adding that Nigeria should not be left behind.
He said the idea behind the National Sports Tourism Conference and Exhibition (NASTOC) was to create a platform where the synergy between both sectors could be explored for national progress.
On the revival of Ringo Sports, he explained that the game was once popular in Nigeria decades ago and can still attract interest if properly reintroduced.
He noted that the sport is played on a badminton or volleyball court and can be contested in one-a-side, two-a-side or three-a-side formats, depending on the available space.
Recalling his personal experience, he said he played the game as far back as 1978 during his secondary school days and believes it remains an exciting sport that promotes fitness, agility and healthy living.
He added that efforts are already underway to reposition the sport and bring it back into the mainstream sporting scene in Nigeria.
The convener, who also has a background in journalism, media practice, public relations and tourism, said his professional experience has inspired him to combine sports and tourism as tools for economic transformation.
He explained that institutions such as the Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria all play important roles in supporting sports and tourism development.
According to him, customs facilitate the importation of sports equipment and infrastructure materials, immigration handles travel documentation for athletes and visitors, while airports serve as key gateways for tourists and sporting delegations.
He therefore called for stronger collaboration among all government agencies and private stakeholders to unlock the full economic value of sports tourism in Nigeria.
He urged Nigerians to recognise that regardless of sector or profession, there is always a connection to sports and tourism, insisting that partnership remains the key to sustainable growth.
The event ended with a charge to all stakeholders to work together in advancing Nigeria’s economy through the combined power of sports and tourism.
Sports
Academy records 40% reduction in injuries after safety reforms-President
The President of Talent Developer Football Academy, Abuja, Oluwole Babatunde, said the academy has recorded a 40 per cent reduction in soft-tissue injuries following the introduction of new safety reforms during the rainy season.
Babatunde who stated this in an interview on Tuesday in Abuja, said the academy adopted weather-based monitoring using updates from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to guide training schedules and ensure player safety.
He said the academy had introduced a comprehensive safety, welfare and development plan to protect players and maintain training standards in spite of the adverse weather conditions.
According to him, training sessions are now scheduled for morning and late afternoon to avoid heavy rainfall and lightning risks.
While indoor facilities are used for strength, tactical and mobility drills whenever pitches become waterlogged.
“Our pitch management team conducts daily inspections, while improved drainage systems and sand top-dressing have been introduced to reduce waterlogging and improve playing conditions.
“We do not conduct training during thunderstorms because lightning safety is a top priority.
“ Our coaches are empowered to halt sessions immediately whenever conditions become unsafe,” he said.
Babatunde said players were provided with rain gear and spare clothing, while wet kits were washed and dried the same day to prevent infections and discomfort.
He added that injury prevention measures had been strengthened through extended warm-up routines, proprioception drills and restrictions on high-intensity contact drills on slippery surfaces.
The academy president disclosed that a physiotherapist was available four days weekly, while ice therapy, taping and ankle support were provided for players with minor injuries and joint concerns.
On players welfare and health, Babatunde said the academy had partnered with a nutritionist to improve meal plans with vitamins and immune-boosting diets, while clean drinking water and hygiene education were strictly enforced.
He further said transportation arrangements had been made for Under 15 and Under 17 players during periods of heavy rainfall, including shuttle services and flexible reporting times.
According to him, parents are regularly updated through WhatsApp on any changes to training schedules.
Babatunde added that rainy-day disruptions were converted into opportunities for video analysis sessions, classroom lessons and academic tutoring to support players development on and off the pitch.
He said no weather-related hospital cases had been recorded since the measures were introduced.
On performance expectations, Babatunde said the academy remained focused on player development, discipline and measurable technical and tactical improvement rather than trophies alone.
He added that the academy aimed to produce players capable of securing trials with the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and Nigeria National League (NNL) clubs, state team selections and scholarship opportunities.
Babatunde, who is also the Chairman of the AMAC Football Coaches Council, advised young players in Abuja to remain disciplined, consistent and education-focused, warning against shortcuts to success.
He commended football fans in the Federal Capital Territory for their continued support for grassroots football development.
“We are building players and people, not just results. Consistency, attitude and education will keep any player in the game,” he said.
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