Ado Salisu
President of the Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA), Olumide Oyedeji, has urged Nigerian athletes to justify growing government investment in sports by delivering podium performances at the upcoming Commonwealth Games and other major international competitions.
Oyedeji’s call follows the National Sports Commission (NSC) releasing over N200 million as training grants to 26 elite athletes under its newly established Elite and Podium Board.
The former NBA star and FIBA ambassador lauded the Federal Government and the NSC for taking a decisive step toward repositioning Nigerian sports, particularly in supporting home-based athletes currently in training camps in Asaba, Delta State.
“As athletes, you reach for the top, show why you need to be supported, and then give back with good results,” Oyedeji said. He encouraged athletes, coaches, and technical crews to “put in the right shift and energy” as preparations intensify.
The grants cover key medal prospects in athletics, wrestling, weightlifting, taekwondo, powerlifting, and para-sports. Both home-based and foreign-based athletes benefit from the funding, which is aimed at meeting critical training and competition needs.
For Oyedeji, who was recently elected Secretary General of the World Olympians Association, the release of funds represents more than financial support; it signals renewed confidence in Nigerian athletes.
He praised the Federal Government for “giving sports a lift” and emphasized that consistent funding is crucial if Nigeria is to compete favourably with global powers.
“This is the kind of encouragement our athletes need. When the government shows belief, athletes must respond with commitment and results,” he added.
The intervention follows the inauguration of the Elite and Podium Board, chaired by Yusuf Ali, which was established to deliver a scientific, structured, and performance-driven support system for top-tier athletes.
According to the NSC, beneficiaries were selected through a rigorous and professional evaluation process to ensure that only proven performers received the grants.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the disbursement as evidence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strong belief in the potential of Nigerian athletes.
“Mr. President believes strongly in the power of sports and the talent of Nigerian athletes. That belief is already translating into increased funding and improved international results,” Olopade stated.
He explained that the grants form part of a broader strategy to restore confidence and stability in Nigerian sports administration under NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko.
“This is our way of reassuring athletes that their welfare remains our utmost priority. When we take care of our athletes, they will take care of the country by winning medals,” Olopade added.
Notably, this marks the second time in six months that the NSC has released grants to elite athletes, signaling that sports administrators are following through on their promises.
With funding secured and preparations underway, stakeholders emphasized that Nigeria is not merely participating on the global stage—it is positioning to compete for honours. As Oyedeji stressed, the responsibility now lies with the athletes to rise to the occasion and make the nation proud.