Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, says sports is not just about podium placement or, for a better word, winning, but is about passion sharing, community engagement, economic empowerment, social integration and the spread of a feel-good atmosphere.

“All of these are fully entrenched in the Niger Delta Games,” he said while declaring the 2nd edition closed in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday night.

Olopade, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the closing ceremony, delivered a passionate address highlighting the broader value of sports to national development, youth empowerment and economic growth.

He described the Niger Delta Games as a living example of how sport can unify communities while stimulating local economies, adding that the Commission would continue to back the initiative.
“This is why I make a bold statement today that the National Sports Commission will continue to support Dunamis Icon and the Games,” he said.

Olopade emphasised that the vision behind the Games aligns strongly with President Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning sports as a strategic tool for youth engagement and national development.

“The father of the nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has shown in so many ways his determination to use sports as a tool of empowerment and engagement with the most important demographic in our country, the youth,” he said.

“For the first time in this country, sport is being given its rightful position in government. The President did not stop at that. Just last week, in a meeting with the Chairman of the Commission, sweeping reform policies were approved. These reforms will ensure that sporting facilities are upgraded and equitably distributed across the nation, while also opening the door for increased private sector involvement in sports.”

“In the last one year, we have taken deliberate steps to collect data from sporting events organised across the country. The numbers show clearly that these Games are putting money in the pockets of our people. They are supporting small businesses, creating direct and induced jobs, boosting corporate sponsorship opportunities and creating visibility for host cities and states,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Dunamis Icon Ltd and lead Consultant to the NDG, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, has revealed plans to increase the number of sports from 16 to 21 at the next edition.

Speaking to journalists at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Ikpokpo explained that the expansion would depend largely on the popularity of the sports within the Niger Delta region.

According to him, the vision of the games goes beyond winning medals, stressing that talent discovery remains the primary objective.

He noted that canoeing was removed from this year’s programme due to lack of equipment in participating states, while Taekwondo was introduced instead.

He emphasised that one of the key legacies of the Games is ensuring athletes welfare and proper organisation.

He called for a return to vibrant school sports and urged state governments to adequately fund coaches to drive grassroots talent identification.

The Director-General/CEO of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, on Wednesday anchored his vision for transforming Nigerian sports on what he described as the unwavering support of President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking in Abuja while receiving a delegation that formally presented him with a letter of nomination for an award, Shaibu said the current administration has shown uncommon commitment to repositioning sports as a strategic tool for youth empowerment, national unity, and economic diversification.

According to him, President Tinubu’s interest in sports development goes beyond rhetoric, noting that the National Sports Commission and its agencies are now enjoying improved attention and funding.
“I want to thank Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for consistently showing interest in funding and developing Nigerian sports and using it as a vehicle to empower the youth, unite Nigeria, and diversify the economy,” Shaibu said.
He added that the President has issued a clear directive to restore Nigerian sports to global prominence—a mandate the NIS is determined to fulfil.

The immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State maintained that his passion for sports is longstanding and not politically motivated.
Reflecting on his tenure overseeing sports in Edo State, he recalled the transformation of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and the development of several mini stadia across the state as deliberate efforts to revive grassroots sports and create accessible platforms for young talents.
“We’re happy that the little we have done is being noticed,” he said, emphasising that sports had always been his first love.

He explained that politics only provided an avenue to confront systemic lapses and promote structured development in the sector.
On his appointment as DG of the NIS, Shaibu acknowledged initial scepticism, especially from those who recalled his past criticisms of Nigeria’s sports administration.
“When I was appointed, I was told I was one of those who criticised the system. They said, ‘Now you have the opportunity; let’s see how you will run it.’ I came and met a wilderness. It was tough at the beginning,” he admitted.

However, he said he chose action over excuses, starting with office renovations to create a conducive working environment rather than waiting for federal allocations.
Addressing claims that the role amounted to a demotion from his former position, Shaibu said public service should be measured by impact, not title. “If the President finds you worthy out of over 200 million Nigerians, who am I to say no? Any position you are called to serve your country is recognition,” he remarked.
He disclosed that upon assuming office, he convened stakeholders and management to interrogate the reasons behind the Institute’s past struggles.

The outcome was a comprehensive 10-year strategic development plan aimed at restoring relevance. “Sports is a business, but if we put money first, we will miss it. If we put ideas and structure first, we will get it right. Nigeria must come before material gains,” he said.
Earlier,  the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), led by George Aluo, formally presented Shaibu with a letter detailing their decision to honour him.

The groups said the award recognises Shaibu’s resilience, visionary leadership, and bold reforms at the NIS. They cited his stakeholder engagement, strategic direction, and achievements in Edo State—particularly the revitalisation of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and the construction and upgrade of mini stadia—as catalysts for grassroots sports development. They also described his acceptance of the NIS role despite public criticism as an act of humility, patriotism, and commitment to national service.

In response, Shaibu expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as encouragement to remain focused on institutional reforms. He reaffirmed that the NIS under his leadership would continue to align with the President’s vision of rebuilding Nigeria’s sporting glory through structure, innovation, and dedication to national interest.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has defended his request for a significant salary increase, explaining that the proposed figure of $130,000 per month is not solely for his personal earnings but also covers the wages of his technical staff.

Speaking on the Histores de Foot podcast, Chelle addressed the controversy surrounding his demand, which would raise his pay from $50,000 to $130,000, a move that has sparked outrage among Nigerian fans.

Chelle clarified that in African football, national team coaches often shoulder the responsibility of paying their assistants.

He revealed that his support team includes an assistant coach, a physical trainer, a goalkeeper coach, and a personal assistant, all of whom are essential to managing the pressures of leading a national side representing more than 250 million people.

“In the $130,000 offered, potentially, if those numbers are confirmed, you have to pay your staff with all that behind. We are five,” he explained.

The coach compared the scale of responsibility to managing a nation far larger than France, noting that the immense pressure requires a structure around him to cope. He argued that just as players now employ personal trainers, coaches too need support systems to withstand the demands of the job.

“Sometimes I can’t manage the pressure alone. So, I put a structure in place around me that will allow me to manage this pressure. All these people, well, you have to pay them,” he said.

Chelle also emphasized that the figure is part of a negotiation process, not a final demand.