Another significant milestone has been achieved by the National Sports Commison with its collaboration with the government of Kosovo in its quest ato reposition Nigerian sports under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy (RHINSE).
This was unfolded when the office of Director General of NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade received the Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Glauk Konjufca, at the National Sports Commission, where the foundation for a bilateral sporting collaboration between our two countries was sealed.
“Kosovo’s decision to identify Nigeria as its preferred partner in Africa is a strong vote of confidence in our nation’s immense sporting potential, human capital and growing influence in global sports diplomacy,” Hon Olopade said.
“Our discussions were productive and forward-looking, with a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in football, judo and other sports. I am particularly excited by the proposal for an international friendly match between the Super Eagles and the Kosovo National Team, as well as the opportunities for capacity building in judo, where Kosovo has established itself as a global powerhouse, producing world and Olympic champions.
“I can tell you for free that we are super delighted for this honour by Kosovo and we are ready for every form of sporting collaboration that will mutually benefit both countries.”
“This partnership goes beyond competition. It is about creating opportunities for athlete development, knowledge exchange, technical cooperation, investment and international sporting diplomacy.
“I also reaffirmed that, through the clear mandate of our dear President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the National Sports Commission is building an ecosystem that is economically friendly for sports, and this collaboration with Kosovo will further strengthen that vision.
“I commend the Government of Kosovo for this bold initiative and appreciate the engagements already held with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, which have helped lay the groundwork for this historic relationship.
“This is how we grow Nigerian sports, by building strategic international partnerships, creating new opportunities for our athletes and coaches, and opening more doors for sports to contribute meaningfully to our national economy.
‘The future of Nigerian sports is global, and we are intentionally positioning our nation to lead,” he concluded.
