At NIPSS, Odegbami Urges FG to Harness Sports for Economic Growth, National Unity
Former Super Eagles captain and football legend, Chief Segun Odegbami, has urged the Federal Government to harness the economic potential of sports to create jobs, generate wealth and strengthen national integration.
Odegbami made the call on Thursday, September 24, 2026, while delivering a lecture titled “The Role of Sports as an Enabler of the Orange Economy” to participants of Senior Executive Course 48 (SEC 48) at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Plateau State.
The former international footballer, sports administrator and broadcaster said Nigeria had yet to fully recognise the economic opportunities within the sports industry, despite its potential to contribute significantly to national development.
He stressed that Nigeria must develop the capacity, institutional structures and confidence required to participate meaningfully in the global economy.
According to him, the country must “earn the right to become co-diners with the rest of the world” by transforming its sporting talent and resources into sustainable economic opportunities.
Odegbami explained that sports should no longer be viewed merely as football or competitive entertainment but as an extensive economic ecosystem encompassing ticketing, branding, insurance, sportswear, facility management, athlete promotion and other commercial activities.
He described the industry as an largely untapped economic frontier capable of generating employment, attracting investment and supporting entrepreneurship if properly developed.
The former Super Eagles captain also highlighted the role of sports in promoting national unity, arguing that sporting activities provide opportunities for Nigerians of diverse ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds to interact and pursue common objectives.
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He called for deliberate investment in sports infrastructure, stressing that facilities should be designed to remain economically productive long after major competitions.
Citing Kenya, Ethiopia and some Scandinavian countries, Odegbami noted that sports and physical activity were increasingly being incorporated into infrastructure planning, including road construction and the provision of recreational facilities.
He urged Nigerian authorities to adopt similar approaches by creating environments that encourage physical activity while supporting the development of sporting talent.
Odegbami particularly cautioned against constructing expensive stadiums that become underutilised after major sporting events, advocating instead for multipurpose facilities capable of hosting regular sporting, recreational and commercial activities.
Drawing from his experience in talent development, he discussed his efforts to nurture young athletes through his sports academy and called for greater investment in grassroots sports.
He also advocated expanded opportunities for female athletes, stressing the need to provide women and girls with adequate facilities, training and institutional support to pursue sporting careers.
Beyond its economic and social benefits, Odegbami emphasised the importance of sports in promoting healthy living.
The 74-year-old football legend disclosed that he still jogs regularly to maintain his fitness, encouraging young Nigerians to embrace physical activity as part of their daily lives.
He challenged policymakers, entrepreneurs and aspiring athletes to move beyond identifying opportunities and develop the commitment, confidence and structures necessary to transform sporting potential into sustainable enterprises.
The lecture formed part of the academic activities of NIPSS Senior Executive Course 48, which examines opportunities for leveraging Nigeria’s creative resources, talent and entrepreneurship to advance sustainable national development.
By PRNigeria
