by Edward Oseghe

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has reiterated its commitment to fostering unity and growth within Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.

The NSC, following recent reports of an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said it would not be drawn into conflict with the National Football Federation (NFF), emphasising collaboration over confrontation and ensuring it remains focused on its supervisory role across all sports federations.

In the past, such situations may have been exploited to create friction between the NSC and the NFF. However, the stand by the National Sports Commission under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade has signalled a departure from past tendencies to paint the organisation in bad light or escalate tensions with the NFF.

In a statement addressing the situation, the NSC clarified, “To set the record straight, the EFCC requested the Commission to provide relevant documents concerning the NFF. This is standard procedure, as the NSC is the apex sports body in Nigeria, overseeing all sports federations.”

The NSC emphasised its commitment to transparency and compliance, reiterating that it will work collaboratively with both government agencies and the NFF to ensure accountability. Recent strides, such as Mallam Shehu Dikko’s engagement with NNPC leadership and Bukola Olopade’s discussions with Victor Ochei, a staunch supporter of wheelchair basketball and tennis in Nigeria, reflect the Commission’s proactive efforts to secure sustainable development in sports.

Also appealing to the sporting media, media aide to Director General of NSC, Mike Obasi, said, “The leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade values the role of the sporting media in the broader sports ecosystem. We urge the media to be responsive and professional in their reportage. This is critical to achieving the vibrant and sustainable sports economy we all envision.”

Analysts say this measured and collaborative stance signals a significant shift in Nigeria’s sports administration, acknowledging the NSC’s steadfastness in its mission to create an enabling environment for sports to thrive, with a clear goal of strengthening foundations and ensuring the NFF and other federations receive the support needed to excel on all fronts.