By Maxwell Kumoye
President of the Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA), Olumide Oyedeji, has challenged Nigerian athletes to justify the growing investment in sports by delivering podium performances at the Commonwealth Games and other major international competitions.
Oyedeji’s charge comes on the heels of the National Sports Commission (NSC) releasing over N200 million as training grants to 26 elite athletes under its newly established Elite and Podium Board.
The former NBA star and FIBA ambassador praised the Federal Government and the NSC for what he described as a decisive step toward repositioning Nigerian sports, particularly in supporting home-based athletes currently camping in Asaba, Delta State.
“As athletes, you reach for the top, show why you need to be supported and you then give back with good results,” Oyedeji said, urging competitors, coaches and technical crews to “put in the right shift and energy” as they intensify preparations.
The grants cut across key medal prospects including athletics, wrestling, weightlifting, taekwondo, powerlifting and para-sports.
Both home-based and foreign-based athletes are beneficiaries, with the funding targeted at meeting critical training and competition needs as Nigeria sharpens its competitive edge.
For Oyedeji who was recently elected Secretary General of World Olympicians Association, the release of funds signals more than financial backing, it represents renewed confidence in Nigerian athletes.
He commended the Federal Government for “giving sports a lift,” noting that consistent funding is essential if the country must compete favourably with global powers.
“This is the kind of encouragement our athletes need. When the government shows belief, athletes must respond with commitment and results,” he added.
The intervention follows the recent inauguration of the Elite and Podium Board, chaired by Yusuf Ali, which was set up to deliver a scientific, structured and performance-driven support system for top-tier athletes.
According to the NSC, beneficiaries emerged from a rigorous and professional evaluation process to ensure that only proven performers were selected.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the disbursement as evidence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strong belief in the power of sports.
“Mr President believes strongly in the power of sports and the potential of the Nigerian athlete. That belief is already translating into increased funding and improved international results,” Olopade stated.
He explained that the grants form part of a broader strategy to restore confidence and stability in Nigerian sports administration under the leadership of NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko.
“This is our way of reassuring our athletes that their welfare remains our utmost priority. When we take care of our athletes, they will take care of the country by winning medals,” Olopade said.
Notably, this is the second time in six months that the NSC has released grants to elite athletes, a move widely seen as proof that sports administrators are matching promises with action.
With funding secured and preparations intensifying, the tone from stakeholders is unmistakable. Nigeria is not merely preparing to participate on the global stage, it is positioning to compete for honours.
Just as Oyedeji emphasized, the responsibility now lies with the athletes to rise to the occasion and make the nation proud.
