The National Sports Festival will take place again in a few weeks, but it is unfortunate that the Kano State Sports Commission has not yet announced its readiness for the momentous occasion or started full preparation.
I could remember displaying my annoyance with the attitude of the majority of the northern states of the federation last week on the way and manner they are taking sports growth and development in their states.
Even while sports is considered as a very important tool for the young ones, the aged and the broader population as a whole, this has nothing to do with their lousy behavior or lack of seriousness and interest about them.
Therefore, while our northern governors have been silent about promoting sports in their states, there southern counterparts are busy developing sports in their states by spending billions to sponsor their players to various competitions.
They are also are the forefront in the hosting of practically all national sporting competitions leaving our northern states far behind as if they lack the knowledge and relevance of what they are shying away from.
We have seen how several southern states set aside large sums of money each year for their own state’s sports development. Some notable instances are Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, and Abia.
The fact that Bayelsa Governor Senator Douye Diri has allocated N37.8 billion for sports in 2025 is intriguing.
But it is unfortunate that most northern states do not send athletes or perceive the need to compete in any national tournaments, and when they do, their participation is meaningless because they return home empty-handed and without a medal.
For example, the Federal Government of Nigeria organizes the renowned Nigerian National Sports Festival every two years, bringing together athletes from all 36 states of the federation through the National Sports Commission and Ministry of Sports.
The game was first introduced and played in 1973 in Lagos’ National Stadium, Surulere, and was primarily intended as a “unifying tool” to foster peace and intercultural understanding in Nigeria following the 1970 Nigerian Civil War.
In addition to serving as a training and development event, the game is designed to assist athletes in preparing for national and international championships.
Building a strong talent pool of athletes, improving and elevating sports at the grassroots level, creating a standard program for athletes’ succession, reducing age cheating in sports, and promoting early participation in sports are just a few of the National Sports Festival’s many objectives.
Other goals of the National Sports Festivals include fostering national unity, improving cultural and educational development, and involving young athletes in the Olympic Movement, skill development, and social responsibility.
Nevertheless, in spite of all these benefits, our northern states have not seen any justification or concrete or beneficial endeavors to inspire their youth and states to undertake.
The involvement the northern states in organizing and taking part in the National Youth Games and National Sports Festivals will break one’s heart.
Unfortunately, only four of the 19 northern states Bauchi, Benue, and Kaduna and FCT hosted the National Sports Festivals since the event’s start.
I remember that the festivals were held in Benue in 1996, Abuja in 2004 and 2018, Bauchi in 1991 and 2000, Kaduna in 1973 and 2009, and Kwara in 1985.
In a same vein, Kwara is the only state of the 19 northern states to have hosted the National Youth Games from the start. While in the case of National Para Games, the story is the same as Abuja is the only place that hosted the event since its inception.
Since its founding in 1973, the National Sports Festival (NSF) has served as a venue for Nigerian states to showcase their athletic prowess, something that the majority of our northern states are aware but neglected for their selfish interest.
Although there is a dearth of complete historical data for every edition, records from previous festivals offer valuable insights into the performances of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and the 19 Northern Nigerian states.
In the 2018 edition (19th NSF in Abuja): Kano State: 8th place with 18 gold, 27 silver, and 24 bronze medals. Federal Capital Territory (Abuja): 7th place with 21 gold, 9 silver, and 24 bronze medals. Leaving other states far behind.
During the the 2021 edition (20th NSF in Edo State): Kano State: 9th place with 11 gold, 22 silver, and 33 bronze medals. While in the 2022 edition (21st NSF in Delta State): Kano State: 7th place with 19 gold, 27 silver, and 30 bronze medals. Federal Capital Territory (Abuja): 9th place.
It is noteworthy that in the 2022 festival, the bottom five positions were sadly occupied by northern states:
Thus, Jigawa State: 33rd place with 2 silver and 6 bronze medals, Sokoto State: 34th place with 1 silver and 2 bronze medals, Gombe State: 35th place with 6 bronze medals and Zamfara State: 36th place with no medals.
But top performing states were Delta state which has consistently topped the medals table, winning the festival multiple times, including in 2000, 2004, 2006, 2018, and 2022.
Edo State has also performed well, finishing top of the medals table in 2002. While Lagos State won the inaugural edition in 1973 and has had several top-three finishes since then.
Other Southern States that performed wonderfully includes Rivers state which hosted the festival in 1988 and 2011 and also finished top of the medals table in 2011.
Bayelsa state also finished third in the medals table at the 19th NSF in Abuja.
However, Northern Nigerian states’ slack showing at the National Sports Festival medal table has undoubtedly been disappointing.
Some specific examples of Northern states’ performance at the National Sports Festival include:
Zamfara state which was reported to be at the bottom of the medals table at the 17th National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt, with other Northern states like Taraba, Sokoto, Kebbi, Gombe, and Borno also struggling.
According to an online forum discussion, Northern states’ poor performance was also highlighted where contributors noted that states like Jigawa and Taraba had failed to win any medals.
Therefore, addressing the underlying issues affecting sports development in Northern Nigeria is crucial to improving their performance at the National Sports Festival and also participating in other national competitions..
The 19 Northern Nigerian states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja have historically struggled at the National Sports Festival (NSF), often ranking below their southern counterparts.
And the several key factors that is contributing to their underperformance are:
1. Poor Sports Infrastructure: Most Northern states lack world-class sporting facilities, training centers, and stadiums. Limited access to standard gyms, tracks, and swimming pools affects athlete preparation.
2. Inadequate Funding: Insufficient financial investment in sports development and athlete welfare.
Inconsistent or delayed payment of allowances and incentives for athletes.
3. Weak Grassroots Development: Few organized grassroots sports programs to discover and nurture young talents.Schools and local communities have minimal structured sports competitions.
4. Lack of Professional Coaching & Training: Shortage of qualified coaches, trainers, and technical staff.
Outdated training techniques that do not match modern competitive standards.
5. Limited Athlete Motivation & Welfare: Poor athlete management, including lack of scholarships, job opportunities, and post-career support. Many athletes switch allegiance to better-performing states that offer better incentives.
6. Security Challenges: Persistent issues like insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts disrupt training and competitions. Some states struggle to host sporting events due to insecurity.
7. Cultural & Religious Barriers: In some Northern states, there are restrictions on female participation in sports. Societal perceptions often discourage young people from pursuing sports as a career.
8. Administrative & Political Issues: Poor leadership and mismanagement of sports commissions. Frequent changes in sports administrators affect policy continuity.
9. Poor Representation in National Sports Committees: Few Northern representatives in key national sports decision-making bodies. Lack of strategic lobbying for fair athlete development programs.
10. Weak Private Sector Involvement: Unlike Southern states, the North has minimal private sponsorships and investments in sports. Few corporate entities support sports development programs.
Therefore, to improve the performance of the 19 Northern Nigerian states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja at the National Sports Festival (NSF), several strategic solutions must be implemented:
1. Investment in Sports Infrastructure: Build and renovate modern stadiums, training centers, and gym facilities across the North. Establish high-performance training centers in strategic locations.
2. Increased Funding for Sports Development: Allocate higher budgets for sports programs and athlete support. Ensure timely disbursement of funds to sports commissions and athletes.
3. Strengthening Grassroots Sports Development: Establish school sports leagues and competitions at primary, secondary, and university levels. Develop community-based sports academies to identify and nurture young talent.
4. Hiring and Training of Professional Coaches: Recruit experienced coaches and trainers with modern sports knowledge. Organize regular coaching clinics and certification programs.
5. Improving Athlete Welfare and Motivation: Provide scholarships, employment opportunities, and long-term career plans for athletes. Offer competitive financial incentives to retain talented athletes within their home states.
6. Addressing Security Challenges: Improve security in sports facilities to ensure safe training environments. Establish secure sports zones where athletes can train without disruptions.
7. Promoting Female Participation in Sports: Implement policies that encourage and support women in sports. Educate communities on the benefits of female involvement in athletics.
8. Strengthening Sports Administration: Appoint competent sports administrators based on merit, not politics. Ensure continuity in sports policies rather than frequent leadership changes.
9. Increased Representation in National Sports Committees: Lobby for more Northern representatives in the National Sports Commission. Advocate for fair policies that support talent development in the North.
10. Encouraging Private Sector Investment: Partner with businesses to sponsor sports events and training programs. Offer tax incentives to companies investing in sports development.
11. Collaboration with Successful States: Learn from states like Delta, Edo, and Lagos, which dominate the NSF. Organize exchange programs for athletes and coaches.
12. Leveraging Digital and Sports Science: Introduce technology in athlete training and performance analysis. Establish sports medicine and rehabilitation centers
Also the three key parameters of sports development—Personnel, Facilities, and Competitions—must be strategically enhanced in all the northern states.
1. Personnel Development (Coaches, Athletes, and Administrators)
Recruit and Train Quality Coaches: Hire certified coaches with modern training techniques.
Conduct regular coaching clinics and workshops in partnership with sports institutions.
Improve Athlete Development: Establish talent identification programs in schools and communities.
Provide structured training schedules and sports science support for athletes.
Enhance Sports Administration: Appoint experienced and competent administrators to oversee sports development and implement transparent and accountable management systems for sports programs.
2. Facilities Development (Infrastructure and Equipment)
Upgrade Existing Sports Facilities: Renovate stadiums, training centers, and gymnasiums across the region. Ensure proper maintenance of sports venues to meet national standards.
Build New Sports Academies and Centers: Establish regional high-performance centers to support elite athlete training. Develop specialized training grounds for different sports, such as athletics, football, and swimming.
Provide Modern Sports Equipment: Equip training centers with modern sports gear and performance monitoring tools. Ensure athletes have access to high-quality uniforms, kits, and nutrition plans.
3. Competitions (Exposure and Experience for Athletes)
Increase Grassroots Sports Competitions: Organize regular school and inter-community competitions to discover new talent. Establish youth sports leagues in various disciplines across the 19 states and FCT.
Improve Regional and National Competitions: Host pre-NSF regional championships to prepare athletes for national competition. Encourage participation in local and international tournaments for exposure.
Encourage Private Sector Sponsorship for Tournaments: Partner with corporate organizations to fund and support sports events. Introduce incentives such as scholarships, endorsement deals, and job opportunities for outstanding athletes.
The Northern Nigerian states and FCT Abuja may undoubtedly perform much better at the National Sports Festival or other sports events if they concentrate on staff development, facility upgrades, and organized contests.
This will also contribute to the overall expansion of sports in the region, creating a new generation of outstanding athletes.
The fact that sports are now a global source of employment, with thousands, if not millions, of people finding productive employment through them, may be of importance to all northern states, including Abuja.