By Leo Abel, Lafia

The recent appointment of Mallam Shehu Dikko as Chairman of Nigeria’s reconstituted National Sports Commission (NSC) is seen by stakeholders as a pivotal moment for the country’s sports sector. In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu disbanded the Ministry of Sports and reinstated the NSC—a structural shift that promises a streamlined and more effective approach to managing Nigerian sports.

This move comes amid widespread calls from sports experts and enthusiasts for a more corporate, professional structure, one that sidesteps bureaucratic red tape. As sports administrators, former athletes, and corporate partners weigh in, the consensus is that Dikko’s leadership is expected to address longstanding challenges and raise Nigeria’s sports performance on the international stage. 

His track record as the CEO of the League Management Company (LMC), where he successfully increased the financial value of Nigeria’s football league, is seen as a testament to his strategic vision and commitment to driving both performance and commercial growth.

Stakeholders’ Take: A Step Toward a Modern Sports Infrastructure

Muhammed Alkali, former Chairman of the Nasarawa State Football Association, highlighted the significance of this structural change. “The NSC system allows sports to be managed with a corporate mindset, which is what we’ve needed for years,” Alkali remarked. According to him, removing the bureaucratic layers of a ministry empowers leaders like Dikko to rigorously design and evaluate programs focused on performance rather than politics. “It is a model that demands accountability and a transparent approach, essential for restoring confidence in Nigerian sports,” he added.

Comrade Abel Leonard, Secretary of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Nasarawa State chapter, has voiced strong support for Shehu Dikko’s leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC), viewing him as the ideal leader to transform Nigerian sports. 

Leonard praised Dikko’s extensive knowledge and experience in sports management, especially noting his success in reshaping Nigeria’s football landscape. With Dikko’s expertise, Leonard believes the NSC is well-positioned to meet high expectations and bring impactful changes that will benefit athletes, administrators, and the sports community.

In addition, Leonard emphasized Dikko’s unique ability to balance sports development with commercial growth, which he views as essential for creating a sustainable sports ecosystem. By attracting sponsorships and fostering economic viability, Dikko can help reduce Nigerian sports’ reliance on government funding, which is critical for long-term stability. Leonard expressed confidence that Dikko’s visionary yet practical approach will allow the NSC to address structural challenges, establish pathways for young athletes, and lead Nigerian sports into a new era of success on the global stage.

This sentiment is shared by former Olympic gold medalist Chioma Ajunwa-Opara, who believes the NSC framework will allow sports development to flourish. “For too long, we’ve been hampered by outdated structures that prioritize titles over results,” Ajunwa-Opara said. She expressed optimism that Dikko’s leadership would address issues like inadequate facilities and training for athletes. “A performance-based structure, which Dikko champions, could inspire our athletes to reach new heights,” she added.

Harnessing Commercial Viability and Development

Dikko’s tenure at the LMC is marked by landmark achievements, including a partnership with Spain’s LaLiga that provided Nigerian club managers with advanced training. "The goal was to elevate Nigerian football management to international standards," Dikko once explained. 

This approach, which focuses on both the sports and business aspects, aligns with his broader vision of sports as an economic driver. “Sports can be a vehicle for wealth creation and youth empowerment if managed correctly,” he emphasized, envisioning the NSC as a body that can contribute to the country’s GDP, create jobs, and stimulate local enterprise.

For Wale Aboderin, a sports philanthropist and President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Dikko’s leadership is long overdue. Aboderin cited the potential for sports to serve as a tool for socioeconomic transformation. “Sports should not just be about winning medals; it’s about lifting communities, engaging youth, and creating a sustainable industry,” he stated. Aboderin hopes Dikko will expand Nigeria’s sports investment by bringing in corporate sponsors and developing revenue-generating activities across various sports.

Strategic Partnerships and International Exposure

Stakeholders across different sports federations also recognize Dikko’s ability to secure international partnerships as a crucial asset. His collaboration with LaLiga paved the way for Nigerian coaches and managers to acquire global-standard skills. “Dikko has always had an eye for global best practices,” commented Tunde Popoola, Secretary-General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee. Popoola believes Dikko’s network and experience could open doors for similar partnerships in other sports, such as athletics and basketball. “Our athletes and administrators need this level of exposure if we want to be serious contenders globally,” Popoola said.

Meanwhile, Joy Eze, a retired handball player and sports coach, sees Dikko’s appointment as a chance to redefine grassroots sports. “Most young talent in Nigeria is untapped due to a lack of access to quality training and facilities,” Eze explained. She believes Dikko’s background and strategic connections can help attract both public and private sector funding to develop sports from the grassroots, fostering a more inclusive sports environment that recognizes and nurtures talent early.

Building a Sustainable Sports Ecosystem

Perhaps one of the most ambitious goals set by Dikko is to build a sustainable sports ecosystem that can thrive without excessive reliance on government funding. To achieve this, he has voiced a commitment to attracting corporate sponsorship and partnerships, which can help fund programs and infrastructure upgrades. “He understands that sports should be self-sustaining,” noted Alkali, who emphasized that corporate investment would be essential to the NSC’s success.

Dikko’s vision of sports as an economic asset is shared by Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and a public policy advocate. “The NSC under Dikko’s leadership has the potential to not only revive Nigerian sports but also contribute meaningfully to national development,” Moghalu stated. He pointed out that Dikko’s emphasis on sports as a business could help grow Nigeria’s GDP and provide viable career paths for the youth.

A New Dawn, but Challenges Lie Ahead

Despite the optimism surrounding his appointment, Dikko faces a daunting task. Revamping the nation’s sports sector will require collaboration with various stakeholders, including sports federations, athletes, corporate bodies, and government agencies. As Alkali pointed out, “He has the vision, but the task is formidable. We all have a role to play.” Dikko’s success, stakeholders agree, will largely depend on his ability to unite the sports community and align their efforts with the NSC’s goals.

Even with his experience, Dikko must tackle persistent issues, including funding constraints, insufficient facilities, and limited athlete support. Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development Solomon Dalung weighed in, advising that the NSC should adopt policies that prioritize athlete welfare and create a professional pathway for sports practitioners. "If we truly want progress, we must ensure that athletes feel valued and supported throughout their careers," Dalung said.

The Road Ahead: Reform and Growth

Looking forward, there is cautious optimism that Dikko’s appointment could be the beginning of a much-needed transformation. If Dikko’s ambitious plans succeed, the NSC could become a model for sports development in Africa. “It’s a turning point,” stated Ajunwa-Opara, noting that this is an opportunity to not only build an elite sports culture but also to reinforce Nigeria’s presence on the global stage.

Dikko has reiterated that his role goes beyond overseeing sports competitions; he envisions the NSC as an institution that shapes lives, fosters economic growth, and builds community. “My aim is to see sports as an integral part of Nigeria’s development agenda, not as an afterthought,” he said recently.

As the NSC embarks on its journey with Dikko at the helm, Nigerians from all walks of life are hopeful that this marks a new era—one where sports can be a unifying force, an economic powerhouse, and a source of pride for the nation.