Dikko Raises Bar For Badminton Federation, Others With Data-Driven Vision For Nigerian Sports

By Victor Samson

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has unveiled an ambitious new roadmap for Nigerian sports development, declaring that the era of operating without measurable plans and clear targets is over.

Dikko made the declaration on Wednesday while officially opening the two-day retreat of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria at the ANOCA House in Abuja, where he challenged sports federations to embrace strategic planning, accountability and long-term development.

The NSC chairman said the commission was introducing a performance-driven culture built on data, projections and structured development programmes rather than arbitrary expectations from government.

According to him, all federations are now expected to submit detailed strategic documents outlining their talent pool, development structures and medal projections for future international competitions.

“We are no longer working in the dark,” Dikko said. “The days when government simply imposed targets on federations are gone. Federations must now present strategic plans that show what they are capable of achieving and how they intend to achieve it.”

One of the most striking revelations from the NSC chairman was Nigeria’s projected medal target for the next Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Based on plans already submitted by federations, Dikko disclosed that the country is targeting between 18 and 22 gold medals.

“It is because of these strategic plans coming from the federations that we can now aggregate realistic expectations,” he explained. “That will be the minimum target, and then we will see if we can surpass it.”

Dikko singled out badminton as one of Nigeria’s strongest medal prospects, commending the federation’s leadership for its deliberate investment in athlete development.

He cited the rise of Nigerian para-badminton sensation Eniola Bolaji as evidence that proper planning and targeted support can deliver international success.

The NSC chairman noted that initiatives such as the Elite Athlete Development Fund were already yielding tangible results across several sports.

Beyond medals, however, Dikko emphasised that the commission’s broader objective is to build a sustainable sports economy capable of generating employment, attracting private investment and contributing meaningfully to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.

He explained that the “Renewed Hope” sports agenda seeks to transform domestic competitions into commercially viable ventures that can stimulate economic activity nationwide.

“We are not only interested in winning medals,” Dikko stated. “We are equally focused on building sport into a sustainable industry that creates opportunities and contributes to the economy.”

The NSC boss also dismissed suggestions that Nigeria could be caught unprepared for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, insisting preparations had already begun.

According to him, provisions for Olympic preparations are already captured in the commission’s current budget, while every international outing and local competition is being treated as part of the long-term build-up to Los Angeles 2028.

“We are not waiting for the Olympics before preparing for the Olympics,” he said. “Every support we are giving federations today is part of the preparation process.”

Dikko also addressed speculation surrounding Nigeria’s bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, clarifying that the country did not lose the hosting race.

He explained that the Commonwealth Games Federation opted to steer the 2030 edition towards Ahmedabad in India, but described Nigeria’s proposal as “very solid” and strongly supported by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to Dikko, the strength of Nigeria’s bid prompted the international body to open discussions with the country regarding the possibility of hosting the 2034 edition, with Nigeria reportedly handed the “first right of refusal”.

“They described Nigeria’s bid as compelling and impossible to ignore,” Dikko revealed, adding that the development positions the country as a leading contender for the 2034 Games.