During a media briefing at the Asaba 2024 National Youth Games held on September 18, 2024, in Asaba, Delta State, Hon. Daniel Igali, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Development, addressed pressing issues within Nigeria’s sports sector and announced his decision to step down as Chairman of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) after 12 years of dedicated service.
Key Challenges in Nigeria’s Sports Sector:
- Age Falsification: Igali condemned the widespread practice of age falsification in sports competitions, stressing that it undermines fairness and the proper development of young athletes.
- Inadequate Funding: He highlighted the insufficient funding of sports federations, which hinders effective training and participation in both local and international competitions.
- Neglect of Grassroots Sports: Igali urged the government to invest more in grassroots sports programs, particularly in rural areas where abundant raw talent remains untapped.
- Poor Infrastructure: He emphasized the critical need for better sports facilities and equipment to support athlete training and development.
- Administrative Inefficiency: Igali called for improved governance, transparency, and accountability within sports organizations and government agencies.
Hon. Igali’s Quotes:
- “Age racketeering erodes the credibility of our sports. Protecting young athletes should be our priority.”
- “The government must provide adequate funding and infrastructure for athletes to thrive.”
- “Nigeria has untapped talent in rural areas, and we must provide opportunities for their development.”
Decision to Step Down as NWF Chairman:
After 12 remarkable years, Igali announced he will not seek re-election as Chairman of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation. Reflecting on his tenure, he expressed pride in the federation’s achievements, which include the development of grassroots wrestling talent, enhanced infrastructure, and increased international recognition for Nigerian wrestling.
Hon. Igali’s Quotes on Stepping Down:
- “After 12 years, it’s time for new leadership. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, but it’s important to give others a chance to lead.”
- “My goal is to ensure a smooth transition, allowing the next leader to build on our successes.”
Call to Action:
Hon. Igali called on stakeholders, including government officials, sports administrators, and sponsors, to:
- Implement robust age verification systems.
- Increase funding for sports federations.
- Focus on grassroots sports development.
- Improve sports infrastructure nationwide.
- Enhance governance and accountability within the sports sector.
By addressing these challenges, Nigeria can unlock its full sporting potential and continue to produce world-class athletes.
Event Details:
- Event: Media Parley at the Asaba 2024 National Youth Games
- Date: September 18, 2024
- Location: Asaba, Delta State
- Organized by: National Sports Commission
- Hosted by: Delta State Government
