Intermediate Games Aimed At Closing Nigeria’s Athlete Development Gap – Olopade

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has declared that the National Intermediate Games were created as a permanent platform to bridge the gap between grassroots sports and elite competition in Nigeria.

Olopade made the remarks on Tuesday during the inaugural meeting of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) for the maiden edition of the Games in Abuja.

The NSC boss, who also chairs the committee, said the initiative aligns with the sports development vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he commended for supporting reforms and growth within the sports sector.

According to him, the President has consistently advocated the use of sports as a tool for empowerment, economic development, and national identity rather than limiting it to entertainment and medal-winning.

Olopade explained that the NSC, under his leadership and that of Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko, introduced the RHINSE agenda to reposition Nigerian sports and create sustainable opportunities for athletes and sports entrepreneurs.

“If you are doing sports, you have the right to create a business out of it,” he stated.

He stressed that sports have evolved into a major economic and social platform capable of empowering youths and strengthening national development.

According to him, the Intermediate Games will provide a structured transition for athletes progressing from the National Youth Games into higher levels of competition. “This is why the Intermediate Games are here to stay,” Olopade declared.

He also praised Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government for agreeing to host the inaugural edition of the Games.

Olopade said the competition would bring together athletes from primary schools, secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and emerging elite categories within one sustainable sports ecosystem.

He added that the Games would create opportunities for hidden talents from states such as Kano, Sokoto, Akwa Ibom, and Ogun to compete against established and semi-professional athletes.

Stakeholders at the meeting described the initiative as a major step towards building a stronger athlete development structure capable of improving Nigeria’s future international competitiveness.