NDC Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in a group photograph after attending a local league match between Enugu Rangers FC and Ikorodu City FC at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over the poor state of sports development in Nigeria, saying the sector has huge potential to empower young people and drive social change.
Obi stated this after attending a local league match between Enugu Rangers FC and Ikorodu City FC at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos, alongside Ladipo Johnson, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Lagos Central Senatorial District, and Aisha Jimoh, the party’s candidate for Lagos Island Constituency II.
The former presidential candidate said watching the game reminded him of the “enormous possibilities of sport” and how some countries have successfully used sporting activities to engage youths, reduce crime, and create opportunities.
“As the match unfolded, I thought about the enormous possibilities of sport and how countries such as Brazil and Jamaica have used it to engage young people, fight crime, and create opportunities,” Obi said.
He, however, expressed disappointment over the level of attention given to sports development in Nigeria, noting that the country has many talented young athletes but lacks the needed structures and commitment to transform their abilities into opportunities.
“It pained me to see how poorly we are developing sports in Nigeria. A stadium with a capacity of about 10,000 had fewer than 2,000 spectators,” he said.
Obi stressed that sports should not be viewed only as entertainment but as a sector capable of contributing significantly to youth development, job creation, and national growth.
“Sport is not merely entertainment; properly developed, it can be a powerful tool for youth development, employment, and social transformation,” he added.
Nigeria has produced several world-class athletes and footballers over the years, but stakeholders have often raised concerns about inadequate facilities, limited investment, and poor grassroots development.
Countries such as Brazil and Jamaica have built strong sporting systems that have helped discover talents, create economic opportunities, and promote social inclusion among young people.
Obi maintained that with the right vision, planning, and investment, Nigeria can unlock the economic and social benefits of sports.
“A new Nigeria is POssible,” he said.
