Special Report: Sports Triumphs Rekindle Call For Grassroots Development

By BABATUNDE OGUNRINDE

NIGERIA’S recent successes on the global sporting stage have reignited conversations about the nation’s potential to use sports as a unifying and developmental tool.

From the football pitch to the basketball court, the country has delivered performances that have not only earned trophies but also strengthened national pride.

July this year, Nigeria claimed the 2025 Women’s Africa Football Championship for a record tenth time, underscoring its dominance in the women’s game on the continent.

The triumph was swiftly followed by another milestone — victory at the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket tournament, marking Nigeria’s seventh title in the prestigious competition.

These back-to-back wins have reinforced Nigeria’s standing as a formidable force in African and global sports, inspiring fans and young athletes alike.

The achievements also highlight the enduring impact of sports in shaping Nigeria’s international image and fostering unity across diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Over the decades, many Nigerian athletes have left their mark on global competitions, raising the country’s profile in athletics, football, basketball, boxing, and other disciplines.

Speaking in Lagos, sports enthusiasts expressed joy over the victories and praised the government for financially rewarding the athletes.

While applauding the current progress, they stressed that the spotlight must extend beyond football and basketball to other sports with untapped potential.

Boxing, swimming, and tennis were cited as examples of disciplines that could flourish with greater investment, policy support, and grassroots engagement.

Dehinde Ogunbiyi, a board member of the Lagos State Basketball Association, emphasised that grassroots development is the bedrock of long-term sporting success.

According to him, it involves nurturing young talent, promoting physical activity, and fostering community spirit through sports at the local level.

Ogunbiyi explained that effective grassroots initiatives include providing sports equipment, building modern facilities, and organising regular competitions for young people.

He added that such efforts not only prepare future champions but also encourage active lifestyles, which are vital for public health and social cohesion.

However, he warned that Nigeria currently suffers from significant deficits in both infrastructure and technical personnel.

“We currently have not only an infrastructure deficit. We have a technical personnel deficit that is acute. We must reinvent and invest in these key elements,” he said.

Ogunbiyi pointed out that Nigeria’s vast and growing population presents an enormous talent pool, which, if properly harnessed, could rival any in the world.

He urged increased private sector involvement, saying sustained competitions and tournaments are essential to keeping athletes in peak form and maintaining public interest.

According to him, without a thriving grassroots system, the country risks depending on sporadic bursts of talent rather than a steady stream of well-trained athletes.

Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, shared similar concerns about the need for early talent identification and structured development programmes.

He explained that grassroots sports should focus on spotting potential at a young age and providing the necessary training and support to maximise ability.

For boxing, Ladipo stressed the importance of training coaches in modern techniques so they can properly guide and mentor emerging fighters.

“Training programmes for coaches, administrators, and athletes are essential for enhancing the quality of sports development at the grassroots level,” he noted.

He added that investing in facilities and equipment is non-negotiable if Nigeria is to produce boxers capable of competing — and earning — at international standards.

In recent years, the boxing community has benefited from the involvement of promoters eager to contribute to the sport’s revival.

Yet Ladipo acknowledged that Nigeria still lags behind nations where boxing is a major commercial enterprise generating significant earnings for athletes.

He said the country has not reached the level where its boxers can command the high purses enjoyed by their counterparts abroad.

Ladipo also called for equal treatment of all sports, arguing that no discipline should be favoured at the expense of others.

He insisted that well-funded, inclusive programmes would ensure that talent is not lost due to neglect or lack of opportunity.

Raymond Nwabuda, a Lagos-based sports commentator, offered another perspective on the value of grassroots sports, noting its role in promoting healthy lifestyles and economic growth.

According to him, encouraging regular physical activity not only benefits individual well-being but also stimulates job creation in coaching, event management, and related industries.

He warned against the long-standing trend of directing the majority of sports funding and attention to football alone.

“In a situation where football gets all the attention, other federations suffer neglect, and the results are there for all to see,” Nwabuda said.

He stressed the need for a “paradigm shift” in funding, policy formulation, and programme implementation to achieve meaningful progress in neglected sports.

Nwabuda argued that diversity in sports investment would yield wider benefits, from international recognition to enhanced community engagement.

Report stated that the experts agree that sustained success in sports requires more than occasional victories at elite competitions.

It demands a deliberate strategy encompassing talent discovery, structured training, adequate facilities, and strong administrative support.

Countries with consistent global sporting dominance often share one feature — a robust grassroots system feeding into professional and national teams.

Nigeria’s potential in this regard is significant, given its demographic advantage, vibrant youth culture, and rich history of individual sporting brilliance.

However, experts warn that without deliberate planning and equal support for all sports, these strengths could remain under-utilised.

The recent football and basketball triumphs have offered a glimpse of what is possible when talent, preparation, and investment align.

For sports to truly drive unity and development, that formula must be applied across all disciplines, from athletics to swimming to table tennis.

The private sector is seen as a critical player in this transformation, not just in sponsorship but also in building training facilities and hosting tournaments.

Government policy, on the other hand, must ensure equitable allocation of resources and set long-term targets for both elite and community-level sports.

For many, the dream is a Nigeria where grassroots sports thrive in every neighbourhood, producing not only champions but healthier, more cohesive communities.

As Ogunbiyi put it, “The goal is to create a sustainable sports ecosystem and leverage sports for social and economic development.”

With sustained commitment, the victories of today could become the foundation for a legacy of excellence, unity, and opportunity in Nigerian sports.

(NAN)