NSC inaugurates four sports federation boards

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has inaugurated four sports federation boards in Abuja, urging the newly appointed administrators to strengthen governance, improve athlete development and promote accountability across Nigerian sports.

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The inauguration took place on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko led the ceremony alongside Director-General Bukola Olopade, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President Habu Gumel and other dignitaries.

The four federations are the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Nigeria Arm Wrestling Federation, Nigeria Padel Federation and Nigeria Fencing Federation.

The appointments are expected to strengthen federation administration, expand opportunities for athletes and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness across the four sporting disciplines.

 sports federation boards tasked with accountability

The NSC charged the new administrators to approach their responsibilities with diligence, integrity and a commitment to developing their respective sports.

In a statement published by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade emphasised the responsibilities attached to the appointments.

“These appointments come with a responsibility to serve diligently, uphold the highest standards of accountability and put the interests of our athletes and Nigerian sports first,” Olopade said.

He also called on the new boards to establish clear priorities and work collectively towards measurable improvements.

The commission expects the administrators to strengthen grassroots participation, improve athlete development pathways and create an enabling environment for athletes to compete successfully at national and international levels.

Effective leadership will be crucial to translating the appointments into tangible progress for the federations.

basketball, arm wrestling, padel and fencing get new leaders

Dr Abdullahi Mustapha was inaugurated as president of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, with Rita Mosindi appointed secretary-general.

Engr Samuel Olatunji Jackson will lead the Nigeria Arm Wrestling Federation, alongside secretary-general Dorathy Okpo Benard.

At the Nigeria Padel Federation, Rt. Hon. Jimi Benson was inaugurated as president, while Israel Inwang was named secretary-general.

Meanwhile, Adeyinka Samuel will serve as president of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, with Javan Bernard taking up the position of secretary-general.

The new leadership teams are expected to provide direction for their respective federations, strengthen domestic competitions and identify opportunities to develop emerging talent.

 sports federation boards face development opportunities

The inauguration comes as Nigerian sports administrators seek to improve the organisation of sporting competitions and maximise the industry’s economic potential.

Through the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Economy (RHINSE), the NSC is pursuing opportunities to position sports as a contributor to economic growth and national development.

Basketball, arm wrestling, padel and fencing each offer opportunities to broaden participation, develop athletes and increase Nigeria’s presence in international competitions.

However, achieving these objectives will require more than administrative appointments. Consistent grassroots programmes, improved competition structures, athlete welfare and effective partnerships will be important to the federations’ progress.

The boards will also need to demonstrate accountability and establish development priorities that deliver measurable benefits for athletes and other stakeholders.

The NSC congratulated the newly inaugurated members and urged them to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, teamwork and a strong commitment to Nigerian sports.

Their success will ultimately depend on their ability to turn these expectations into sustainable development and improved competitive opportunities across their respective disciplines.

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