NSC Commits to Promoting Traditional Sports in Nigeria

The National Sports Commission (NSC), under the leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, has reaffirmed its commitment to the development and internationalisation of traditional sports in Nigeria. During a visit to the Abula venue at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on August 15, 2026, Dikko announced the creation of a dedicated budget line for traditional sports for the first time in Nigeria's sports administration history.

He emphasized the importance of traditional sports, including Abula, Dambe, Kokuwa, Langa, and Ayo, as vital to Nigeria’s sporting heritage, deserving of investment and international exposure. Dikko expressed optimism about growing international interest, particularly from investors in Saudi Arabia regarding Dambe.

He called for traditional rulers to play a significant role in promoting these sports and urged the Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria to expand competitions nationwide and engage youth from an early age.