The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has praised Nigeria’s recent sporting achievements, describing them as evidence of the country’s potential to produce world-class athletes.
Olopade’s comments followed the Flamingos’ historic triumph at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco and Nigeria’s double gold-medal success in the 100 metres events at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal.
Nigeria became the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, while sprinters Rosemary Chigozie Nwankwo and Gift Bright claimed gold in the women’s and men’s 100m events respectively.
Bright, 15, won the men’s final in a Games-record time of 10.28 seconds, becoming the first Nigerian to claim the Youth Olympic Games boys’ 100m title. Nwankwo completed the double with a wind-assisted time of 11.16 seconds in the women’s final.
Reacting to the achievements, Olopade said the performances demonstrated what young Nigerians could accomplish when their talents were identified early and supported with the right opportunities.
“Today, our young athletes have reminded the world of the greatness of Nigeria. When the right structures are put in place and talent is given the support it deserves, Nigerians can excel at the highest level. To have the Flamingos win the World Cup and our athletes secure two Youth Olympic gold medals within the same weekend is truly remarkable,” he said.
The NSC Director-General said he and the Commission’s Chairman, Shehu Dikko, were encouraged by the results, describing them as positive signs of progress in the country’s efforts to reposition sports.
Olopade also acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu, saying it had been important to the Commission’s reform agenda, particularly its efforts to strengthen youth development and create sustainable pathways for sporting success.
“Mallam Shehu Dikko and I are deeply delighted by these achievements. With the full support of Mr President, we have been deliberate about repositioning Nigerian sports, strengthening our development pathways and creating opportunities for young athletes. These results show that the work is beginning to yield the desired dividends,” he added.
Despite celebrating the achievements, Olopade cautioned against complacency, stressing that the Commission would continue working to build on the momentum through sustained investment and institutional commitment.
“Our ambition goes beyond celebrating medals and trophies. We are building a system that will consistently discover, nurture and prepare young Nigerians to compete and win at the highest level. These victories will inspire us to do more because, ultimately, the goal is to build lasting legacies for Nigerian sports,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to grassroots sports development, talent identification and expanding opportunities for young athletes to compete at domestic and international levels.
The recent successes of the Flamingos, Nwankwo and Bright have renewed attention on Nigeria’s youth sporting programmes and the importance of developing structures capable of sustaining international achievements.
