Sports
NSC approves, recognises RENISA as official body of Nigeria’s retired sports men and women
Joel Ajayi
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has given official approval and recognition to the Association of Retired Nigerian Sportsmen and women (RENISA) as the body to coordinate the affairs of retired Nigerian Sportsmen and women.
RENISA, a national body established in 2019 to promote the welfare, unity, physical well-being, and continued engagement of retired Nigerian Sports men and women who have served the nation with distinction at national and international levels, has as its major focus to use sports as a tool for healthy living, social inclusion, mentorship and the preservation of Nigeria’s rich sporting heritage.
The Commission, in a reference letter NSC/FEAD/COA/2025/CON/II dated 8th October, 2026 and titled “Approval and Recognition of the Association of Retired Nigerian Sportsmen and Women signed by Kabir Yusuf on behalf of NSC Director General, Honourable Bukola Olopade, and addressed to the Association’s President read:
“The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially approved and granted recognition to the Association of Retired Nigerian Sportsmen and women.
“Accordingly, the Association is recognised as the umbrella body responsible for coordinating the affairs and interests of retired Nigerian Sportsmen and women. It shall serve as the statutory platform for preserving, documenting, and promoting wealth of experience, knowledge and contributions of retired athletes, while fostering the transfer of their expertise and passion to future generations.
“The affairs and operations of the Association shall be conducted in a democratic manner and governed by its constitution, relevant legislation and the directives of its duly elected executive officers, in alignment with the policies, guidelines and regulations of the National Sports Commission.”
Reacting to the development, RENISA President and former Nigerian athlete, Sunday Adeleye, thanked the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General, Bukola Olopade for the recognition saying their interests in the well-being and welfare of Nigerian athletes cannot be overemphasised.
He added that the recognition by the NSC will further strengthen the Association while assuring that the welfare of retired athletes remain its priority. He also revealed that the Association is putting everything in place to host its maiden Sports Fiesta in Abuja from September 17 to 26, 2027.
He said, “I want to thank the leadership of the NSC under its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General, Bukola Olopade for this very important recognition. Since their assumption of office, they have taking the welfare of Nigerian athletes very important and it has shown clearly in medals and podium finish by our athletes in regional and international competitions.
“At RENISA, we will continue to prioritise the welfare of retired sports men and women who have made this country proud and will be working with the NSC to achieve this. I also want to say that plans are on to host our maiden Sports Fiesta from September 17 to 26, 2027, in Abuja and it will be featuring 17 sporting events.”
Sports
Nigeria Targets Grassroots Sports Revival as Tinubu’s Aide Adeboye Unveils National Sports Grassroots Summit
Joel Ajayi
The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeboye Adeyinka, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of grassroots sports development in Nigeria, urging stakeholders to prioritise youth empowerment, education and national development alongside medals and trophies.
Adeyinka stated this on Thursday in Abuja during a press conference while announcing the 2026 National Grassroots Sports Summit, scheduled for November 18 and 19 at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The summit, with the theme, “Creating a New Pathway for Sustainable Grassroots Sports Development,” is expected to bring together government officials, sports administrators, state and local government representatives, private-sector investors, development partners, coaches, athletes and other stakeholders.
The presidential aide stressed that sports development must be measured not only by international achievements but also by the number of young Nigerians whose lives are positively transformed through participation in sports.
He noted that while sporting excellence could lead some athletes to Olympic medals and World Cup glory, sports also offered millions of young people opportunities for education, personal development, employment and social inclusion.
“Sometimes, when we discuss sports development, we speak about stadiums, trophies, medals and international competitions.
“But I want us to remember that at the heart of every sporting achievement is a human being,” Adeyinka said.
He explained that participation in sports could help young Nigerians secure university scholarships, develop discipline, build confidence, acquire life skills and stay away from negative influences.
According to him, sports should be recognised as an important instrument for building character, strengthening communities and creating opportunities for young people, irrespective of their backgrounds.
On talent identification, Adeyinka expressed concern that Nigeria continues to lose potential sporting talents because many children lack access to adequate facilities, qualified coaches, encouragement and organised talent-discovery programmes.
He emphasised the need for an inclusive grassroots sports system that would provide equal opportunities for children in rural communities, public schools, underserved areas and different socioeconomic backgrounds.
The presidential aide maintained that a child’s sporting prospects should not be determined by geographical location, family background or connections to influential individuals.
He warned that without a coordinated approach to identifying and nurturing young talents, the country could continue to miss opportunities to discover future champions.
Adeyinka said the forthcoming summit was designed to develop a sustainable national framework for identifying, nurturing and supporting sporting talents across the 774 local government areas.
He added that the gathering would seek practical solutions to the challenges affecting grassroots sports administration rather than focus solely on speeches and ceremonial activities.
A major objective, he explained, was to move away from fragmented talent-discovery initiatives towards a coordinated national structure connecting school and community competitions with clubs, national competitions and international sporting opportunities.
The two-day summit will deliberate on five key areas: sports participation, talent development, infrastructure, the sports economy and international pathways.
Adeyinka expressed optimism that the recommendations from the summit would provide a roadmap for strengthening grassroots sports development, expanding youth participation and positioning sports as a viable contributor to Nigeria’s economic and social development.
He called on relevant stakeholders to support the initiative and work collectively towards building a sustainable grassroots sports system capable of identifying and developing talents across the country.
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