The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has declared Nigeria’s readiness to host multiple international sports competitions, revealing that the Commission has secured budgetary support and developed a clear roadmap for upgrading the country’s sporting facilities.
Dikko made this announcement while receiving a delegation from the World Karate Federation (WKF), led by its Vice President and Inspection Delegate, Bechir Cherif, along with the President of the Karate Federation of Nigeria, Silas Agara. The WKF delegation visited the Commission to share their findings following an inspection of facilities ahead of the African Karate Championships scheduled for Abuja from July 25 to 27.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mandated us to harness and advance the sports economy potentials of Nigeria,” Dikko stated. “To execute this, he has also ordered that the nation’s sporting facilities should be upscaled to conform to global standards and ultimately hosting international tournaments across the various sports. So this is a command, and we will execute it to the letter.”
Dikko noted that hosting international tournaments serves multiple purposes, including meaningful youth engagement, job creation, and boosting Nigeria’s sports economy. “We are targeting for sports to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s GDP, and we are very open to these tournaments. As many as possible, bring them on!” he declared.
The NSC chairman highlighted recent and upcoming hosting commitments, including the ECOWAS Traditional Wrestling Tournament and the forthcoming African Women Volleyball Championship. “We are planning for Nigeria to be among the sporting headquarters of the globe. After this, we can even go for the World Karate Championship,” Dikko added, noting that the initiative extends beyond Abuja to develop facilities nationwide.
Cherif, who previously visited Nigeria in 2003, was assured that the country would deliver a memorable African Karate Championship in July.
“By the time you come in July, you will see even more development on the facilities,” Dikko promised.
In his remarks, Agara expressed gratitude for the Commission’s support in securing the hosting rights for the championship, stating: “With your support, I have no doubt that the future of karate in Nigeria is so bright.”
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