Sport and Nigeria’s New Leadership Commitment

The Platform Nigeria has become an annual pilgrimage for many Nigerians—a must-follow programme every October 1, organised by Pastor Poju Oyemade of the Covenant of Nations Church in Lagos.

Ironically, religion is never the subject of discussion. Instead, it is a space for ideas that cut across faith, politics, economics, and society. It attracts Nigerians of every persuasion.

Seven years ago, I was privileged to be invited to speak. Last week, I returned to the podium, this time to discuss Sport in Geo-Politics.

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The Question That Sparked Reflection

The four-hour programme was a masterclass, featuring six speakers whose papers were followed by a global Q&A session powered by technology.

When my turn came, one simple question caught me off guard. The moderator asked what alternatives I could propose beyond the example of “protest” by African countries, which I had highlighted in my presentation on sport’s place in global politics.

It was such a good question that my eventual answer, in hindsight, felt incomplete. What I should have said was simple: Africa, led by Nigeria, must intentionally win everything—and use that power to break barriers.

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Sport as a Model of Afrobeats’ Global Influence

Nigeria’s Afrobeats musicians—Davido, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Asake, Olamide, Tems, and a rising army of others—have taken over the world. From parties to concerts, from fashion shows to global sports events, Afrobeats and Amapiano now soundtrack modern culture.

Alongside music, African fashion, cuisine, literature, and film have emerged as global soft power tools.

Afrobeats is proof that Nigeria can set global standards. Sport must follow the same model.

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African Dominance in Global Sport

African athletes are naturally gifted for certain sports: football, athletics, boxing, basketball, and more. Across the world, Africans and their descendants dominate these arenas.

• East and North Africa have produced the best long-distance and marathon runners.

• West, Central, and Southern Africa thrive in the sprints, hurdles, boxing, and weightlifting.

• In global ball games—soccer, rugby, American football, basketball—African talent shines in every winning team.

The late Lee Evans, my friend and legendary U.S. sprinter and coach, often remarked: “The African is born to run and jump.” He dreamed of making Nigeria the global breeding ground for the world’s best athletes. His vision remains alive.

The evidence of African greatness in sport is everywhere. What is missing is the deliberate packaging of these achievements into a geo-political weapon—a soft power tool to earn respect and negotiate Africa’s place in the New World Order.

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Nigeria’s Role

Nigeria must lead this charge. Our responsibility is not only to excel but also to unify Africa and its diaspora through sport. Success must no longer be left to chance or raw talent—it must be intentional, strategic, and supported by policy.

That should have been my full response at The Platform: Africa can use sport both as a weapon of protest and as a bargaining chip.

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Sport Development as Government Priority

For this to happen, Nigeria must elevate sport to a priority of government.

• Integrate it into the school curriculum nationwide.

• Incentivise students, athletes, teachers, and coaches.

• Build the infrastructure, facilities, and programmes needed to nurture talent.

• Host international competitions routinely.

• Establish welfare schemes to secure the futures of retired athletes.

Above all, the most successful sports persons must be made celebrated models of success in society.

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A New Leadership Commitment

Encouragingly, the time seems ripe.

In his Independence Day address, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave sport an unprecedented place of prominence. He is the first Nigerian leader to elevate sport to such a level—and he has backed it with action, committing more funds than any President since the wasteful COJA 2003.

Now is the time for Nigeria to lead Africa to win everything winnable in world sport.

That is the prescription: to earn respect, to wield power, and to create a new role for sport in the geo-politics of the world.