National Intermediate Games Will Bridge Grassroots And Elite Sports — Olopade

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

Olopade, who also serves as Chairman of the Main Organising Committee (MOC) for the maiden edition of the Games, made the remarks on Tuesday during the committee’s inaugural meeting in Abuja. He said the initiative aligns with the sports development vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he praised for demonstrating a strong commitment to the growth of sports in Nigeria through policy support, reforms, and improved funding.

According to Olopade, the President has consistently emphasised the need for sports to become a tool for empowerment, economic growth, and national development rather than being viewed solely as entertainment. He explained that, under his leadership and that of NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, the National Sports Commission introduced the RHINSE agenda to reposition the sector 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. If you are a stakeholder participating in sports, you have every right to make money out of it,” Olopade stated.

He stressed that sports had evolved beyond medal-winning and podium finishes, noting that the sector now plays a critical role in national identity, youth empowerment, economic growth, and capacity building.

According to him, the Intermediate Games will become a key component of Nigeria’s sports development structure, providing young athletes with a smooth transition from grassroots competitions to elite-level competition. “This is why the Intermediate Games are here to stay,” he declared.

Olopade commended Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government for accepting to host the inaugural edition of the Games, describing the state as a critical partner in the Commission’s long-term developmental strategy.

He explained that the competition would bring together athletes from primary and secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and emerging elite categories into a structured sporting ecosystem.

The NSC boss added that the Games would offer hidden talents from across the country an opportunity to compete against established and semi-professional athletes. “It is that competition where athletes discovered at the Youth Games can now compete with professionals and semi-world beaters,” he said.

Olopade expressed confidence that the event would uncover a new generation of stars capable of representing Nigeria on the international stage.

He also noted that talents from states such as Kano, Sokoto, Akwa Ibom, and Ogun would now have equal opportunities to compete and prove themselves against more experienced athletes.

Stakeholders at the meeting described the initiative as a landmark step towards creating a sustainable sports development pathway that can strengthen Nigeria’s future competitiveness in international sports.