In continuation of the sweeping reforms reshaping Nigeria’s sports governance, Part 2 of this series examines another category of federations—those that traditionally receive less media spotlight yet hold immense potential for continental and global breakthroughs. These sports, ranging from weightlifting to rowing, have produced some of the country’s brightest moments but have also suffered from administrative inconsistency, poor funding, and inadequate structures. Now, with a new generation of presidents drawn from law, engineering, military, business, and education the national expectation is unmistakable: restore order, deepen development, and build global competitiveness. Each president brings a distinct background, but they also inherit the heavy burden of delivering results in an environment where Nigerians have become increasingly impatient for progress.

The New Guard: Profiles behind Nigeria’s Emerging Sports Administrators

Dr. Ibrahim Abdul:  Weightlifting Federation President

Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Aladi is a high-ranking law enforcement officer with an extensive background in law and diplomacy. Dr. Abdul first assumed leadership in September 2021. Since then, the federation has reportedly enjoyed increased recognition from the National Sports Commission (NSC), which praised the federation’s achievements under his stewardship. Weightlifting has carried Nigeria for decades—from Commonwealth dominance to Olympic flashes of brilliance. Mohammed must now transition the sport from survival mode to a systematic, development-based structure.
Expectations:
•    Establish modern weightlifting training zones in at least four states.
•    Enforce strict anti-doping compliance aligned with IWF reforms.
•    Return Nigeria to top-three on the African medal table consistently.
•    Develop a national elite coaching programme based on sports science.

Giandomenico Massari: Cycling Federation President

The Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN), continues under the leadership of Giandomenico Massari. His long tenure suggests continuity but also raises questions about innovation and renewal. The sport has potential in Nigeria, especially as cycling gains international traction for health, leisure, and environmental reasons. To transform cycling from a niche activity into a competitive sport with global ambitions demands development of road, track, and mountain-biking infrastructure; elite coaching; and perhaps public-private partnerships for urban cycling lanes. The leadership must reposition cycling not only as sport but also as a vehicle for community health, mobility and youth development.
Expectations:
•    Introduce a national road safety and cycling-lane advocacy programme.
•    Establish high-performance hubs for track, road, and mountain cycling.
•    Host at least one UCI-sanctioned event in 24 months.
•    Build youth and women’s cycling academies in the six geopolitical zones.

Dr. Ademola Are: Rugby Federation President

Dr. Ademola Are is a prominent veteran sports administrator, a retired director from the National Sports Commission. He is widely recognized for his significant contributions to grassroots sports development in Nigeria. Are came into office in 2021 and has since worked to reposition Nigeria’s rugby programmes. Notably, under his leadership, the federation managed to lift Nigeria’s previous suspension by global/regional bodies (World Rugby / Rugby Africa), a critical step to restoring Nigeria’s eligibility in international competitions. For Are and his team, the task ahead is multifaceted: they must strengthen domestic leagues, build pathways for youth  both union and sevens formats  professionalise coaching, and create structures for sustainable talent development. If accomplished, Nigeria could become a serious contender on the African rugby scene.
Expectations:
•    Establish a functional national rugby league for men and women.
•    Create rugby clinics in secondary schools across all zones.
•    Secure partnerships with Rugby Africa and established rugby nations.
•    Develop a long-term plan for Nigeria’s qualification for the Rugby Sevens World Cup.

Uyi Akpata: Cricket Federation President

A business executive and global cricket stakeholder, Uyi Akpata has been at the heart of Nigeria’s cricket renaissance. Under his leadership, Nigeria’s U-19 team shocked the continent by qualifying for the U-19 Cricket World Cup. His vision has always been clear: grassroots expansion, school programmes, and international exposure. Nigeria’s cricket revolution is real but sustaining it requires more funding, stronger school partnerships, and domestic league development. Akpata is a respected figure both in corporate and sports circles  a profile that suggests the federation may increasingly appeal to private-sector funding, sponsorship, and good governance. 
Expectations:
•    Consolidate Nigeria’s youth cricket pipeline into a national academy system.
•    Develop at least two turf wickets in every zone.
•    Professionalise the national cricket league.
•    Achieve top-4 ranking in Africa across all categories.

 

Engr. Musa Nimrod: Volleyball Federation President

One of Nigeria’s most respected sports administrators, Engr. Nimrod has delivered consistency, youth development, and continental visibility for volleyball. His tenure has seen Nigeria excel in beach volleyball and reawaken interest in indoor volleyball. Globally, volleyball success is built on strong club systems. Nimrod must consolidate gains and push Nigeria into top-tier global competition.
Expectations:
•    Expand the national volleyball league into a commercially viable model.
•    Strengthen grassroots academies and retain Nigeria’s dominance in African beach volleyball.
•    Host more FIVB and CAVB-recognised tournaments.
•    Establish a volleyball technical institute for coaching and officiating.

Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo: Chess Federation President

Senator Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo is a Nigerian accountant, technocrat, and politician currently serving as the Senator for the Gombe North Senatorial District. He previously served two terms as the Governor of Gombe State. Chess nations thrive by integrating the sport into education. Dankwambo must drive this evidence-based model. Given Nigeria’s large youth population and growing interest in mind sports bolstered by online chess platforms Dankwambo’s presidency represents a serious opportunity. If he succeeds in mobilising resources, building school-based programmes, and establishing a national league or inter-school competitions, Nigeria could produce international masters and perhaps its first grandmaster.
Expectations:
•    Launch a nationwide schools chess programme.
•    Produce new International Masters (IMs) and move toward the first Nigerian Grandmaster (GM).
•    Expand digital chess infrastructure, online leagues, and coaching certification.

 

Fausat Dehinde Yekini (Karate Federation)

•    Host international-rated tournaments quarterly. 
Mrs. Fausat Dehinde Yekini, widely known as "Iyalaje Worldwide," is a prominent figure in Nigerian sports administration and a successful businesswoman. She is a successful business tycoon with strong ties to the United States and hails from Kogi State. Prior to her elevation to the national stage, she served as the influential chairperson of the Kogi State Karate Association. Nigerian karate has strong participation but limited elite structure. Her success depends on her ability to use her business experience in transforming karate in Nigeria through transparency, capacity building, and modern coaching systems.

Expectations:
•    Standardise grading systems and rankings nationwide.
•    Create a unified national technical syllabus based on WKF standards.
•    Secure international exposure for elite athletes.
•    Host a continental karate championship within two years.

 

Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi: Rowing & Canoeing Federation President

Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi is a prominent Nigerian economist, politician, businessman and entrepreneur. He is best known as the Founder and Group Chairman of Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc. His involvement in sports is primarily as an investor, philanthropist, and administrator. He has provided financial support for various events; including the 2017 National Youth Games, the 2021 National Championship, and Nigeria participation in the African Cup for Canoe Sprint and African Continental Paris Olympic Qualification even in November, 2023. He also built a modern badminton court for young athletes Nigeria’s natural waterways make rowing and canoeing a future powerhouse if infrastructure is developed. With the compelling profile of the current president, one would be expecting a total turnaround of  the sport in Nigeria in all ramifications.
Expectations:
•    Develop rowing and canoeing centres in coastal and riverine states.
•    Build athlete safety systems and acquire modern boats.
•    Strengthen continental partnerships and increase international participation.
•    Target podium finishes at African Championships and prepare for Olympic qualification.

Raising the Bar: National Benchmarks for the New Federations
Across these federations, certain expectations must become non-negotiable:
1. Publish a comprehensive 4-year strategic plan within six months.
2. Introduce annual financial audits and make them public.
3. Implement youth and school development programmes across zones.
4. Build or upgrade at least one national training facility per sport.
5. Secure private-sector sponsorships to reduce dependence on government.
6. Integrate sports science, digital analytics, and athlete welfare policies.
7. Enhance continental participation and global exposure.
These standards align with the world’s leading sports nations and Nigeria must rise to meet them.
Conclusion: Talent Meets Leadership, Leadership Meets Expectation
Nigeria’s new generation of sports federation presidents brings a blend of technical depth, professional pedigree, and institutional influence. But as experience has shown, credentials alone do not produce results systems do. The next four years will determine whether these leaders can transform potential into legacy. If they succeed, Nigeria may witness a historic rebirth in its secondary and emerging sports a renaissance that strengthens grassroots development, empowers athletes, and restores global competitiveness. The mandate is clear. The expectations are enormous. The question remains: Will this new leadership class rise to the moment?