Basketball promoter and initiator of Mark D’ Ball Basketball Championship, Mr Igoche Mark, foresees bright prospect for Nigeria’s sports in 2025 following the re-establishment of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and allocation of a whopping N78 billion to the sector in the 2025 budget before the National Assembly.
Mark stated this in his New Year message to Nigeria’s sports stakeholders yesterday, saying the allocation of over N78 billion in the 2025 budget is a clear testament to the government’s dedication to advancing sports in the country.
He urged the leadership of the NSC to learn from past mistakes and moves away from ineffective practices that have hindered sports development in the country .
“As we welcome the year 2025, I am filled with hope and optimism for the future of sports in Nigeria. The establishment of the National Sports Commission (NSC) represents a pivotal moment in our sports framework, and I commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to revitalizing our sports economy.
The allocation of over N78 billion in the 2025 budget is a clear testament to the government’s dedication to advancing sports in our nation. However, it is imperative that the NSC learns from past mistakes and moves away from ineffective practices that have hindered our progress.
“To our sports administrators, I urge you to implement a governance framework that fosters professionalism and accountability within our sports federations. It is crucial that we address the challenges posed by weak federations, often dominated by individuals who manipulate rules to maintain their positions indefinitely.
“Currently, many federations including the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Nigeria Basketball Federation(NBBF), the Athletics Federation of Nigeria ( AFN), and many others are mired in dissent and internal conflict. The National Sports Commission (NSC) must prioritize addressing these issues as a first step. While we work towards securing Nigeria’s qualification for the next FIFA World Cup, we must also focus on cleansing our federations of ineffective leadership.
Without this critical reform, the National Sports Commission risks becoming a monumental failure.
“To our athletes, I encourage you to seize this opportunity to showcase your talents and bring pride to Nigeria. With the right support and infrastructure in place, I am confident that you will excel on the global stage.
“To our dedicated fans, I ask that you continue to support our athletes and teams with the same passion and enthusiasm that you have always demonstrated. Your energy is a vital source of motivation for our athletes as they strive for success.
“As we look to the future, I am reminded of the wise words of Nelson Mandela: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” Let us rise to the challenge of transforming Nigerian sports and make 2025 a year to remember.
“Wishing you all a Happy New Year, and may God bless Nigerian sports,” the message read.
