Rewards For Hosting African Cup Of Nations Multifaceted – Olopade

Director-general of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has emphasised the numerous benefits associated with hosting prestigious international sporting events, such as the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In an interview with Calisus Ebare of AIT in Rabat, Morocco, Olopade highlighted that these rewards extend beyond mere economic gains, encompassing youth empowerment and significant socio-cultural impacts.

“The benefits are multifaceted,” he remarked. “I’ve consistently stressed this in my previous discussions. These events yield economic impact, foster social engagement, enhance brand visibility, and serve as tools for mental, physical, and economic empowerment.”

Referencing Morocco’s recent success, he noted, “The Moroccans not only generated substantial revenue but also experienced a wave of joy from both their victory and the honour of hosting the tournament. Some theorists suggest that hosting such major events provides a competitive advantage to the home team, a view that remains debated.”

Olopade commended the Moroccan government and its Football Association for orchestrating a tournament that has garnered pride across Africa. “This is not my first time in Morocco; I find the Moroccans to be incredibly hospitable, second only to Nigeria in this regard.”

He acknowledged the need for Nigeria to upgrade its sports infrastructure, asserting that the NSC is committed to enhancing facilities, particularly for specialised sports where Nigeria excels.

“As a nation, we need to shift our focus towards attracting more major sporting events. This necessitates a serious commitment to improving our infrastructure,” he stated. “We require more multipurpose venues and purpose-built arenas to ensure we can effectively host world-class events. The goal is to create wealth for our people and empower our youth through access to global sporting icons.”

Olopade expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support for sports. He revealed ongoing discussions with the National Revenue System on how the tax sector can further bolster funding through private investment.

“I appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his genuine affection for sports. I feel fortunate to serve as the NSC DG at a time when we have an action-oriented leader,” he said.

Looking ahead, Olopade is optimistic about the prospects for Nigerian sports in 2026, citing recent preparations across various disciplines, including the WAFCON and Commonwealth Games.

“Exciting times lie ahead for sports in Nigeria. We are already laying the groundwork for significant achievements this year,” he asserted. “The Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna is undergoing a 20 billion naira refurbishment, and we are also initiating improvements at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. These developments position us to bid for and host world-class events in the near future.”

With ongoing upgrades and strategic preparations, Olopade believes Nigeria is on the cusp of a new era in sports, one that promises to create jobs and elevate the nation’s stature on the global stage.