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
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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