Hoops, Hurdles, and Hope: Nigeria’s Sporting Odyssey to Progress
Adetola Adetayo Adetola is a Contributing Researcher and Writer at Susinsight. Her work covers the economic trends, environmental shifts, and social changes shaping the African continent. She holds an MSc in International Business and a BSc in Business Administration. Adetola also operates as a Financial Compliance Professional from Ireland.

Hoops, Hurdles, and Hope: Nigeria’s Sporting Odyssey to Progress

3 min read

Illustration by Tomi Abe.

In the eloquent words of Nelson Mandela, "Sport has the power to change the world." These words encapsulate the transformative potential of sports in fostering peace, resolving diplomatic challenges, and building community cohesion. In today's landscape, the impact of sports extends beyond mere entertainment and competition, gaining recognition from governments, nonprofits, corporations, and multilateral agencies for its role in development and peace initiatives.

While sports have long been encouraged across various domains, a systematic analysis of their potential for development cooperation and conflict prevention, particularly in Nigeria, has been notably absent. The sports industry in Nigeria is currently undergoing a digital transformation, offering new growth opportunities. However, economic challenges, including recent recessions and a growing poverty rate, pose substantial obstacles to these plans. The Nigerian government's Economic Recovery and Growth Plan 2017–2020 recognizes the need for a digital-led strategy to enhance competitiveness, potentially benefiting the sports sector.

Despite ongoing efforts in planning and funding for sports facilities, the future of sports infrastructure in Nigeria faces various risks, including economic instability and potential declines in oil production. In. . .

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Adetola Adetayo Adetola is a Contributing Researcher and Writer at Susinsight. Her work covers the economic trends, environmental shifts, and social changes shaping the African continent. She holds an MSc in International Business and a BSc in Business Administration. Adetola also operates as a Financial Compliance Professional from Ireland.