By Solomon OKPO.
Veteran sports analyst, Elder Nkangude, has described the appointment of sports administrator Paul Bassey as the best decision ever made by any government in Nigeria. He emphasized that true sports development requires a strategic and long-term approach, much like military tactics, with a strong foundation in school sports programs from primary to university levels.
Nkangude highlighted how Delta, Lagos, and Edo States have consistently dominated the sports scene due to their well-structured grassroots development programs. He stressed that while academic qualifications are essential for trainers, the key to producing elite athletes lies in early exposure, proper training, and age-appropriate competitions.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s past successes in junior tournaments, he noted that many of the nation’s Under-17 stars struggle to transition to senior levels due to age discrepancies. He pointed out that the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) has been a reliable breeding ground for athletes and should be widely adopted by other states.
According to Nkangude, global sports success is measured by World Cup, Commonwealth, and Olympic medals. He warned that Nigeria cannot compete internationally if athletes are only trained for six months while others prepare for years.
“You cannot cheat nature and expect victory,” he stated, urging the government to invest in structured, long-term sports development for sustained success.
