Since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, sports have remained a crucial avenue for national pride and international recognition. Under President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria took bold strides to establish itself as a hub for sports in Africa and beyond. We saw the construction of the Abuja National Stadium, the successful hosting of the All Africa Games, the FIFA U-17 World Cup, continental basketball tournaments, international athletics meets, and even a bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games — a bid we narrowly lost to Glasgow, Scotland.

However, the economic downturn that followed stalled that momentum. The maintenance of sports infrastructure became a daunting challenge, and most of our once-proud facilities fell into disrepair. By 2024, a country that hosted the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2009 and co-hosted AFCON in 2000 no longer had a stadium that met FIFA or CAF standards. The Abuja National Stadium, built in 2003, had deteriorated less than a decade later. Stadiums in Lagos, Ibadan, and other cities slid from bad to worse. We transitioned from hosting international events to merely participating in them — often returning with few, if any, medals.

The re-establishment of the National Sports Commission and the appointments of Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade — two individuals with deep roots in the sports world — sparked hope across the nation. Under their leadership, and as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, sports began to re-emerge as a national priority.

This agenda laid a foundation for rebuilding and revitalizing the sports sector. International events slowly returned to Nigerian soil. The recent African Military Games, along with the ongoing African Inter-Club Volleyball Tournament featuring 16 clubs from across the continent, are testaments to this renewed drive. These events not only display Nigeria’s hospitality and organizational strength but also present a refreshed image of safety and vibrancy to the global sporting community.

The Renewed Hope Agenda is a broader economic and social transformation plan focused on infrastructure, security, and development. In sports, the agenda zeroes in on improving facilities, supporting athlete development, hosting major international competitions, and using sports as a tool for youth engagement, job creation, and economic stimulation.

Encouraging signs are emerging — from policy directions to grassroots programs aimed at talent discovery, empowerment, and community engagement. The administration aims to use sports not just as entertainment but as a vehicle for national development: improving security, fighting corruption, and expanding economic opportunities.

In all these, the shadows of the past linger. Funding remains a core challenge. Corruption within the sports ecosystem continues to impede growth and transparency. Most facilities still require massive investment to meet global standards and support athlete development. Without addressing these foundational issues, even the most ambitious policies risk falling short.

Still, the promise of the Renewed Hope Agenda is not to be dismissed. It presents a unique opportunity to rewrite Nigeria’s sports narrative — one that prioritizes infrastructure, youth empowerment, and long-term sustainability. If the current administration remains committed and proactive, we may very well witness a true revival of Nigerian sports.

As 2027 and beyond approach, Box 18 remains vigilant — hopeful that this agenda delivers more than just rhetoric. Because with the right focus, Nigeria can truly harness its sporting potential, elevate its athletes, and build a future where sports thrive as a cornerstone of national pride and prosperity.