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Save Nigerian Football- Return To School Sports-Ex-UI Footballers

Published

5 years ago

June 4, 2020

The group of former Footballers of the University of Ibadan has called on the Federal Ministry of Sports and that of Education to form a synergy to save Sports especially football, in the country.

In their monthly discussion program held on their official WhatsApp platform, the group insisted that the present downward trend in Nigeria football may not be totally unconnected with the neglect of inter collegiate football by the appropriate authorities. They believed the time had come for the Federal Ministry of Sports and that of Education to form the needed synergy to save the country’s football from total collapse.

According to the Ex-University footballers, some of whom also played professionally said the problem that many of the ex-footballers are facing after their careers, is their inability to combine football effectively with education, made worse by the national educational system that did not encourage this to thrive. They said if the two government agencies worked effectively and in unity, modalities can be worked out where players can combine their careers effectively and seamlessly with the education.

They said that many of the former football stars that combined education and football are excelling now after their footballing careers, good examples, being Edith Agoye, who graduated from UI, played in Nigeria and abroad and currently coaches 3SC of Ibadan and Peter Rufai, ex Super Eagles captain who combined education with football while playing in Europe in the 90s, amongst others.

They opined further that this should go down to the primary and secondary schools which are areas where the foundation is formed. They said that though many are relying on the academy system, but the so called Academies are nothing to write home about.

They further suggested government should reactivate Higher Institutions league, ensure that the standard requirements for setting up primary and secondary schools are raised to include the provision of sporting facilities amongst others. They also suggested the establishment of an all Sports University in the country. ” Considering the population of the country, and the talents we have, establishment of a Sports University is long overdue. We have other specialized Universities in Agriculture, Education and Technology, we can’t continue to turn away our eyes from having a Sports University in the country, considering the fact that sports have remained one of highest exports for the country” they concluded.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

6 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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