Nigerian Sports System: NIS Chief Demands Urgent Grassroots Overhaul

Nigeria’s sports system is in dire need of a complete overhaul, with a renewed focus on grassroots development and strict discipline, according to Comrade Philip Shaibu, Director General and CEO of the National Institute for Sports (NIS).

Shaibu made the impassioned plea during a visit from Godwin Bamigboye, President of the Nigeria Grassroot Sports Forum, FCT, at the NIS Athletes Development Centre.

Shaibu, a former footballer himself, lamented the decline of youth competitions that once provided early international exposure for Nigerian players. “Youth Football was once strong pillars of grassroots football development,” he stated, advocating for the revival of U-15, U-16, and U-17 tournaments.

He slammed the continued presence of individuals he blames for the system’s deterioration, asserting that “Sports went down completely in Nigeria, and many of those responsible are still within the system.”

Drawing on his experience as Deputy Governor of Edo State, Shaibu highlighted the success of Bendel Insurance Football Club, which achieved an unbeaten league run through “strategic planning, discipline, and prompt payment of allowances.”

He also stressed the importance of long-term athlete development, citing Edo State’s four-year investment in athletes for the National Sports Festival, which yielded numerous medals.

Looking ahead, Shaibu expressed grave concerns about Nigeria’s lack of preparation for the 2028 Olympics, urging the National Sports Commission to establish a clear roadmap. He condemned the practice of scouting players abroad while neglecting domestic talent, calling for consistent data tracking and performance evaluation.

Godwin Bamigboye echoed Shaibu’s concerns, identifying the lack of grassroots focus as a major challenge. He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Shaibu and the creation of a Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports as positive steps. Bamigboye emphasised the crucial role of “training the trainers” to build capacity at the grassroots level and expressed the Forum’s readiness to collaborate with NIS on a comprehensive revitalisation blueprint.