Adegboye Announces National Grassroots Sports Summit 2026

Adeyinka Adegboye, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, stated that the National Grassroots Sports Summit 2026 will take place on November 18 and 19 in Abuja. He emphasized that the summit represents a shift from mere promises to actionable strategies in Nigeria's sports development.

Adegboye criticized the current method of talent discovery as accidental and highlighted the need for a coordinated national approach to support young athletes. He pointed out the challenges faced by talented Nigerian children who lack access to opportunities and resources.

Adegboye praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to sports development, including the restoration of the National Sports Commission and his focus on athletes' welfare. The summit will involve 30 sports organizations and key stakeholders to develop a comprehensive policy for grassroots sports, aiming to replace accidental talent discovery with a deliberate system.

Philip Shaibu, Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, supported the summit, noting the need to reduce bureaucratic obstacles in sports management.