In a surprising move, President Bola Tinubu has announced a significant reshuffle in Nigeria’s sports administration, culminating in the scrapping of the Ministry of Sports Development. This decision was made during a meeting of the Federal Executive Council and has sent ripples throughout the Nigerian sporting community.
Cabinet Changes
As part of the cabinet shake-up, Senator John Owan Enoh has been reassigned to the Ministry of Trade and Investment, while Mallam Shehu Dikko has been appointed as the chairman of the newly reinstated National Sports Commission (NSC). This move has elicited mixed reactions from various stakeholders in Nigerian sports.
Reactions from the Sports Community
Peterside Idah: The former Nigeria international welcomed the change, calling it a “bold move” aimed at repositioning Nigerian sports. He highlighted the significance of having someone from the sports community, like Dikko, in charge. “Although I would have preferred a former athlete, he is still a good choice,” Idah stated, emphasizing that Dikko needs to engage with stakeholders to effect meaningful change across all sports disciplines.
Dare Esan: Esan expressed optimism regarding Dikko’s appointment, stating it represents a positive shift in sports administration. He pointed out that this is the first time a professional with a background in sports administration is taking the helm, which he believes could lead to substantial improvements. However, he cautioned against merely changing titles without enacting real operational changes.
Duro Ikhazuagbe: Ikhazuagbe noted that while the change might appear as just a change of nomenclature, effective leadership is crucial for real progress in Nigerian sports. He is optimistic that Dikko’s experience in sports marketing will help bring about the necessary transformations, especially after Nigeria’s disappointing performance at the Paris Olympics.
Harrison Jalla: In contrast, Jalla, a chieftain of the Footballers Union, criticized Dikko’s appointment, calling it a “misfortune for Nigeria sports.” He argued that Dikko’s track record as chairman of the League Management Company (LMC) reflects poorly on his capability to lead the NSC. Jalla lamented that under Dikko’s leadership, the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) suffered significant setbacks, leading to its decline.
A Shift Back to the National Sports Commission
The decision to revert to the National Sports Commission has sparked debate. Many believe that this could streamline operations and allow for more focused management of sports in Nigeria. However, concerns remain about whether this change will lead to the necessary reforms and improvements in sports development.
Overall, the reactions underscore a mix of hope and skepticism within the sports community regarding the new administration’s direction. As Dikko assumes his new role, all eyes will be on his actions and decisions in the coming months to see if he can deliver on the expectations placed upon him