Segun Odegbami urges Nigerian government to monetize sports sector

Former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami has called on the Nigerian Federal Government to implement structural frameworks to transform the sports sector into a sustainable economic driver. Speaking at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Plateau State, Odegbami described the industry as a critical component of the country’s emerging ‘Orange Economy’.

Odegbami argued that the sector should be viewed as a broad ecosystem encompassing ticketing, branding, insurance, sportswear production, and athlete branding, rather than being limited to football competition. He emphasized that professionalizing management and improving infrastructure are essential to turn sporting talent into tangible revenue and job creation.

To achieve this, he urged the government to move beyond sporadic successes toward a deliberate economic strategy that attracts private investment. He also highlighted the need for functional sports infrastructure that remains productive beyond major tournaments, citing models from countries like Kenya and Ethiopia.