Women Lead Nigerian Sports, Says NSC Chairman Dikko at Fame Foundation Tournament

The significant role of women in propelling Nigerian sports to national and international glory was the central theme yesterday as Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), addressed participants at the 2026 Fame Foundation Women’s Day Football Tournament.

Held at the Area 3 Mini Pitch Abuja, the one-day event, commemorating International Women’s Day, saw over 13 diverse women’s football teams compete, including those representing Internally Displaced Persons (IDP), women lawyers, and the Women Council of Engineers.

Mallam Dikko, a vocal advocate for women’s involvement in sports, emphasized the historical impact of female athletes on Nigeria’s sporting achievements. “We have to be here,” Dikko stated passionately. “Women have always come to move for us. Our first Olympic medals, our successful African team, our successful basketball team, and all the other individual sports. You see how women are always breaking barriers for us. So we have to align with the vision, align with them and support.”

His words underscored a commitment from the NSC to foster and empower female athletes across various disciplines.

The Chairman further lauded the efforts of the Fame Foundation, and particularly its leader, Aderonke Arabinrin, for their consistent dedication to impactful community programs.

“That’s why I always align with Fame Foundation programs, not just the women. Any programs they are doing, we have to be there because I’m so, so, so proud of what they are doing,” Dikko remarked.

He highlighted Arabinrin’s broader commitment beyond gender-specific initiatives, recognizing her work in promoting good governance, effective administration, and supporting the less privileged nationwide.

Dikko urged both men and women to emulate Arabinrin’s exemplary work, stating, “Aderonke Arabinrin is not just aligning with the women per say, she’s aligning with the good governance, with the good administration and pushing the good courses across the country and also trying to have the less privilege as well as she can.

“So I think a lot of women need to copy what she’s doing, not just women, even the men as well, to make the society better, bringing everybody together and creating awareness for so many kind of activities and programs.”

He pointed out her international recognition, questioning why her achievements shouldn’t be equally celebrated at home. “She has been celebrated, not just locally, but internationally. So why not also be celebrated here? I can’t give her enough kudos for what she’s been doing.”

The tournament itself was a vibrant display of athleticism and solidarity, showcasing the diverse talents and resilience of women from various sectors of Nigerian society. The participation of IDP women’s teams was particularly poignant, offering a platform for healing, empowerment, and community integration through sport. The event concluded with a strong message of continued support for women’s sports and the recognition of their invaluable contributions to national pride and development.