NSC DG, Olopade, Pledges More Support to Sustain Nigeria’s Resurgence in Track & Field

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has pledged greater support to sustain Nigeria's recent success in track and field athletics. This pledge comes in the wake of impressive performances by Nigerian athletes at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2026 U20 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States.

Olopade highlighted the achievements of notable athletes such as Miracle Ezechukwu, Jessica Oji, Kanyinsola Ajayi, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Favour Ashe, Samuel Ogazi, and Tobi Amusan as evidence of a positive trend in Nigerian athletics.

While praising these results, Olopade cautioned that Nigeria still has significant technical weaknesses that require immediate attention. He emphasized that while the current performances are encouraging, a considerable amount of work remains to be done, particularly in areas such as technical preparation, athlete orientation, and welfare.

Speaking about the U20 World Athletics Championships, Olopade noted that while the results were satisfactory, certain aspects need to be improved to strengthen the country's athletics development programs. He stressed that these championships serve as a learning curve for nations still developing their sports ecosystem, noting the importance of identifying and rectifying mistakes made during such events.

Olopade's visit to the championships allowed him to pinpoint several areas where the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) needs enhancement, focusing on the relationship between athletes and officials, athlete orientation, and personal welfare for young athletes. He highlighted the emotional support required for young athletes during major championships, using the example of Lucy Nwankwo's disqualification for a false start to illustrate the need for robust support systems.

Olopade stressed that such setbacks are a natural part of development and that athletes must be prepared to recover from disappointments without losing confidence.

Furthermore, Olopade called for increased investment in coaching, asserting that while Nigerian grassroots coaches are among the best globally, they require additional support and institutional backing. He reassured that the NSC will provide the necessary resources to bolster both coaching and athlete development, aligning the Commission's efforts with President Bola Tinubu's broader mandate to ensure Nigerian athletes receive comprehensive support, including financial, mental, and performance aid, to compete at the highest levels.