Ndubuoke Slams Nigerian Sports Administration As ‘Ponzi Scheme’

Former President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Chief Fan Ndubuoke, has delivered a scathing critique of sports governance in Nigeria, likening it to a Ponzi scheme that enriches a privileged few at the expense of athletes and grassroots development.

Ndubuoke made the remarks while delivering a lecture titled “The Burden of Finding a Balance Between Patriotism and Professionalism: The Ethical Question” to the Imo State chapter of SWAN.

He argued that the National Sports Commission (NSC) has operated without a firm legal foundation, describing it as improperly constituted and vulnerable to manipulation. According to him, institutions lacking legal clarity become tools for political interests, with policies shifting unpredictably and funds often spent without proper oversight.

The veteran media practitioner painted a bleak picture of the current system, stating: “Sports administration in Nigeria today resembles a Ponzi scheme. Government funds flow into the hands of a small circle of administrators and their allies, while very little reaches athletes, coaches, or grassroots programmes.

“Competitions are organised not as part of a structured development pathway but as opportunities to ‘cash out’. Projects are launched with fanfare and abandoned once funds have been ‘justified’. There is no sustainable model—only a cycle of extraction and consumption.”

He questioned the lack of accountability within the sector, asking who is responsible for scrutinising the legality and operations of sports institutions, and why poorly constituted bodies or one-man boards continue to be tolerated.

Ndubuoke, a former chairman of the Imo State Sports Commission and board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), also turned his criticism towards the media. He blamed sports journalists for contributing to the decline in standards by overhyping select individuals.

According to him, sections of the media have created “imaginary superstars”, focused disproportionately on administrators rather than athletes, and lavished undue praise on individuals for financial gain. “Many practitioners are on the payroll of administrators, agents, and coaches. This compromises our credibility and distorts reportage,” he said.

He urged SWAN’s national leadership to return to its founding principles, including the coordination and professional development of sports journalists, regular training and retraining, promotion of sports development, and the protection of members’ welfare. He also stressed the need to uphold integrity, professionalism, and constructive engagement with stakeholders across the sector.