President of the Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA), Olumide Oyedeji, has challenged Nigerian athletes to justify increased government investment in sports by delivering podium performances at the Commonwealth Games and other major international competitions.

 

Oyedeji’s call follows the release of over N200 million in training grants by the National Sports Commission (NSC) to 26 elite athletes under its newly inaugurated Elite and Podium Board initiative.

 

The former NBA star and FIBA ambassador lauded the Federal Government and the NSC for what he described as a bold and strategic move aimed at repositioning Nigerian sports. He particularly praised the support extended to home-based athletes currently in camp in Asaba, Delta State.

 

“As athletes, you reach for the top, show why you need to be supported and you then give back with good results,” Oyedeji said. He urged athletes, coaches and technical crews to “put in the right shift and energy” as preparations intensify for upcoming global events.

 

The beneficiaries of the grants include medal prospects across athletics, wrestling, weightlifting, taekwondo, powerlifting and para-sports. Both home-based and foreign-based athletes are covered under the funding scheme, which is targeted at addressing critical training and competition needs.

 

For Oyedeji, who was recently elected Secretary General of the World Olympians Association, the disbursement represents more than financial assistance.

 

“This is the kind of encouragement our athletes need. When the government shows belief, athletes must respond with commitment and results,” he said, commending the Federal Government for “giving sports a lift” through consistent funding support.

 

The intervention comes shortly after the inauguration of the Elite and Podium Board, chaired by Yusuf Ali, which was established to implement a scientific, structured and performance-driven framework for supporting top-tier athletes.

 

According to the NSC, the 26 athletes were selected through a rigorous and professional evaluation process to ensure that only proven performers qualified for the grants.

 

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the release of funds as a reflection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strong belief in the transformative power of sports.

 

“Mr President believes strongly in the power of sports and the potential of the Nigerian athlete. That belief is already translating into increased funding and improved international results,” Olopade stated.

 

He added that the grants are part of a broader reform strategy under the leadership of NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, aimed at restoring confidence and stability in sports administration.

 

“This is our way of reassuring our 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 said.

 

Notably, this marks the second grant disbursement to elite athletes within six months, reinforcing what many stakeholders see as a shift from promises to tangible action.

 

With funding secured and preparations gathering momentum, stakeholders say Nigeria is not merely preparing to participate on the global stage but positioning itself to compete for honours. As Oyedeji emphasized, the onus now rests on the athletes to rise to the occasion and make the nation proud.