Nigeria sports leaders call for urgent infrastructure and youth development investment

Stakeholders in Nigeria are calling for urgent improvements to the nation's sports infrastructure and youth development programs. Lawal Abiodun, General Manager of Utility Sports FC, warned that deteriorating facilities are hindering athlete development and the country's ability to host major international competitions. He urged government and corporate sectors to collaborate on building international-standard facilities, noting that countries like Morocco have successfully invested in becoming major sports hubs.

In Osun State, Lekan Badmus, Executive Director at the Nigerian Ports Authority, criticized the local government for inadequate investment in sports and a lack of youth engagement programs. Badmus emphasized that sports could serve as a vital tool for talent discovery, unity, and crime prevention, specifically calling for expanded investment beyond football into disciplines like boxing.