NSC DG Olopade Promises Support for Track & Field Growth

Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), announced a commitment to bolster support for Nigeria's resurgence in track and field. This pledge follows Team Nigeria's encouraging performances at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2026 U20 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States.

Olopade highlighted the emergence of athletes such as Miracle Ezechukwu, Jessica Oji, Kanyinsola Ajayi, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Favour Ashe, Samuel Ogazi, and Tobi Amusan as evidence of positive developments in Nigerian athletics. However, he cautioned against overlooking existing weaknesses, stressing the need for urgent improvements in technical preparation, athlete orientation, and welfare.

Olopade noted that the U20 event serves as a developmental competition, providing valuable lessons for enhancing Nigeria's athletics programs. He identified areas for improvement within the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, particularly in technical engagement and athlete support, citing the disqualification of Lucy Nwankwo as an example of the emotional challenges young athletes face.