Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has declared that Nigeria remains unmatched in Africa when it comes to the geographical spread of sports infrastructure, describing the country as uniquely positioned to become a continental hub for major sporting events.
Speaking in Abuja during the African Union Sports Council Region 2 gathering, Dikko said Nigeria’s extensive network of stadiums and sports complexes across several states gives it a significant advantage over other countries on the continent.
According to him, while the nation already possesses a broad base of sporting facilities, the immediate priority is to modernise existing structures and ensure consistent maintenance that meets global standards.
He stressed that with proper upgrades and management, Nigeria would be capable of hosting international competitions at short notice in multiple locations nationwide.
Highlighting the country’s regional strength, Dikko pointed to the Niger Delta as a strategic zone with strong hosting capacity, citing key facilities in Delta, Edo, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states as venues capable of jointly supporting large-scale tournaments.
He noted that the ongoing continental meeting in Abuja was aimed at aligning sports development policies among African countries within a common framework being promoted by the African Union.
The platform, he said, offers member nations an opportunity to exchange ideas, review progress, and adopt best practices that can strengthen sports growth across the continent.
Dikko further revealed that inspectors from the African Union recently completed a two-day evaluation of Nigeria’s preparations and long-term plans concerning future continental sporting events, including the African Games bid.
He said the assessment team expressed optimism about Nigeria’s potential, particularly in relation to its existing infrastructure base and expansion plans.
As part of efforts to reposition the sector, the commission chairman also announced federal approval for the creation of a National Sports Infrastructure Development Board, a body expected to drive funding, rehabilitation, and expansion of sports facilities across the country.
The proposed board, he added, will focus on strengthening both grassroots and elite sports development while enhancing Nigeria’s readiness to host major international competitions.
Dikko maintained that the move is central to unlocking the economic and developmental benefits of sports nationwide.