The chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has embarked on a significant diplomatic mission aimed at enhancing sporting collaborations between Nigeria and Algeria. This initiative materialized during his attendance at the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) General Assembly held in Algiers.
Dikko’s visit included a meeting with Algerian President His Excellency Abdelmadjid Tebboune at the State House, where he conveyed a goodwill message from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The discussions focused on the potential for increased collaboration in the sporting sector, building on the already strong commercial ties between the two nations.
“The Algerian government is achieving remarkable progress in their domestic sports through strategic investments in various athletic disciplines,” Dikko remarked following the meeting. “We are keen to work more closely with Algeria as we embark on a new chapter to reset, refocus, and relaunch Nigerian sports.”
The NSC Chairman highlighted the parallels between Algeria’s sports development efforts and Nigeria’s objectives, indicating that Algeria’s achievements serve as a model for Nigeria’s sporting aspirations. He expressed optimism regarding the prospects for partnership in the development of a vibrant sports economy in Nigeria, as mandated by President Tinubu.
During the meeting, ANOCA presented a prestigious award to President Tebboune in recognition of his substantial contributions to advancing sports across Africa.
The president shared his vision for sports development, emphasizing the need for a coordinated continental approach that begins with school sports and integrates collaboration among African nations.
President Tebboune announced that Algeria will be hosting the inaugural Africa School Sports Games in July 2025, emphasizing the importance of regular high-level competitions to identify and nurture talent across the continent, aiming for success on the global stage.
The Algerian government’s commitment to sports is illustrated by its considerable budget allocation for sporting infrastructure, which ranks among the top five in the country. This investment not only enhances athletic performance but also contributes to broader goals of security and economic growth.
As Dikko and his team continue to explore these collaborative opportunities post-Governing Assembly, the potential for a strengthened relationship between Algeria and Nigeria in the realm of sports appears promising, with mutual benefits on the horizon.
