In response to the increasing attention being given to grassroots sports by the Nigerian government, Exclusive News Executive Director/E-I-C  Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu) recently spoke with renowned grassroots sports administrator Godwin Bamigboye. In this interview, Bamigboye who was the immediate past Chairman of FCT Coaches Association shares his perspectives on the future of grassroots sports in Nigeria and explains why he is advocating for the establishment of the Nigeria Federation of Grassroots Sport (NFGS).

Background in Grassroots Sports

Introducing himself, Bamigboye explained that he has long been committed to grassroots sports development.

“I am a sports administrator with a deep passion for grassroots sports. Rather than talking about myself, I prefer discussing practical ways to build a solid foundation for sports development by focusing attention where it matters most – the grassroots,” he said.

Building the Foundation for Grassroots Sports

According to him, meaningful development in sports begins with creating the right environment for grassroots participation.

He commended the Nigerian government for taking significant steps in this direction, noting the appointment of Hon. Adeboye Anthony Adeyinka as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development. Bamigboye described the move as historic, noting that it was the first time such a position had been created in Nigeria.

He also praised the establishment of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the appointment of Malam Shehu Dikko as Chairman and Hon. Bukola Olopade as Director-General, describing them as experienced sports administrators capable of driving reform.

Bamigboye further highlighted the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), a programme aimed at strengthening sports development through improved athlete welfare, infrastructure development, funding, administration reforms, and grassroots sports promotion.

The Challenge of Implementation

Despite acknowledging the government’s policies, Bamigboye stressed that Nigeria’s major challenge has always been poor implementation.

“Policies are created and implemented by people. To succeed, we must ensure that competent individuals are placed in positions where they can effectively carry out these responsibilities,” he said.

He also pointed out that while federal sports structures exist, many grassroots stakeholders remain weakly organized, particularly at the state and local government levels. According to him, numerous sports enthusiasts working in communities across Nigeria often operate without institutional support.

Mobilising Grassroots Stakeholders

To address this gap, Bamigboye revealed that he recently helped establish the Nigerian Grassroots Sport Forum (NGSF), where he currently serves as National Coordinator. The initiative aims to bring together grassroots sports stakeholders across Nigeria and strengthen their role in sports development.

Proposal for the Nigeria Federation of Grassroots Sport

As part of these efforts, Bamigboye is now championing the creation of the Nigeria Federation of Grassroots Sport (NFGS).

He explained that the proposed federation would not replace existing sports federations but would complement them by focusing specifically on grassroots development.

“The grassroots level has suffered neglect for a long time. The NFGS will work alongside existing federations to bridge the gap and strengthen talent development at the community level,” he said.

Key Responsibilities of the Proposed NFGS

Bamigboye outlined several responsibilities for the proposed federation, including:
    •    Supporting sports federations in identifying and developing young talents
    •    Facilitating training for local government sports officers
    •    Working with coaches and associations to identify and nurture grassroots athletes
    •    Encouraging local governments to prioritize sports development
    •    Attracting investment into grassroots sports through initiatives like RHINSE
    •    Creating opportunities for young athletes to progress to state, national, and international levels
    •    Organizing local government sports competitions
    •    Promoting initiatives such as the proposed Operation 774 Stadiums project
    •    Using sports to promote social values such as peace, unity, and campaigns against drug abuse

According to him, grassroots sports can also serve as a powerful tool for national unity, youth engagement, and social transformation.

Engagement with the National Sports Commission

Bamigboye confirmed that the proposal for the establishment of the NFGS has already been submitted to the National Sports Commission through the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development.

He expressed optimism that the idea would receive further consideration.

Looking Ahead

Bamigboye concluded by emphasizing that Nigeria’s large population and vast talent pool require stronger collaboration between government and grassroots stakeholders.

“With the establishment of the National Sports Commission and the appointment of a Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports Development, the foundation has been laid. What is needed now is collective effort from stakeholders to achieve true sports development,” he said.

He added that stakeholders interested in grassroots sports development can reach him through the Nigerian Grassroots Sport Forum as efforts continue to mobilize support for the proposed federation.