Adopt an Athlete: Nigeria’s Secret Weapon for Olympic Glory in 2028

The year 2028 might mark a significant turnaround in Nigeria’s Olympic history if current efforts to transform the country’s sports ecosystem succeed. At the heart of this effort lies the Adopt an Athlete programme, a revived initiative by the National Sports Commission (NSC) aimed at addressing the persistent challenges faced by Nigerian athletes.

For years, Nigerian athletes have struggled to achieve Olympic success. The 2024 Paris Games concluded without a single medal for the country, a stark reminder of over a decade of neglect. Many athletes had been left to train without adequate funding, infrastructure, or support systems. Stories of Nigerian athletes working side jobs to sustain themselves or abandoning training altogether to focus on survival were far too common.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the NSC, led by Malam Shehu Dikko, reintroduced the Adopt an Athlete programme in December 2024. The programme sought to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity by connecting athletes with private-sector sponsors willing to fund their training and competition needs.

Ese Brume, one of Nigeria’s most decorated athletes in recent years, became the first beneficiary of the revived initiative. Brume, who had recently survived a near-fatal car accident, embodied the resilience and determination that the programme aimed to support. Her story served as a rallying point for sponsors, with Coinfetti Assets Limited stepping in to fund her training ahead of upcoming international tournaments.

At the launch event, Dikko emphasized the programme’s alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for sports development in Nigeria. “This initiative reflects our commitment to transforming sports in Nigeria through sustainable public-private partnerships,” he stated.

The Adopt an Athlete programme operates with clear objectives: to provide training grants to both home-based and diaspora athletes, ensuring they can focus on excelling in their respective disciplines. However, the programme is not without its challenges. Funds are disbursed directly to athletes, but the NSC has implemented strict monitoring systems to ensure the money is used for its intended purpose. This is not free money—it is an investment in the athletes’ future and, by extension, Nigeria’s sporting success. Mismanagement of these funds risks undermining the programme’s credibility, a fact Dikko and his team are keenly aware of.

One of the programme’s key features is its emphasis on accountability. Transparency also plays a significant role in retaining sponsor confidence. Sponsors expect regular updates on how their funds are utilised and their contributions’ impact. The NSC has pledged to maintain open communication channels and provide detailed reports to all stakeholders involved.

The Adopt an Athlete programme is not Nigeria’s first attempt at innovative sports funding. The Adopt a Pitch initiative, launched under the leadership of former Sports Minister Sunday Dare, sought to restore iconic sports facilities across the country. Business magnates like Aliko Dangote and Kessington Adebutu contributed significant funds to rehabilitate the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja and the Lagos National Stadium in Surulere. However, despite the substantial investments, these facilities remain far from world-class standards. The Lagos Stadium, in particular, stands as a symbol of missed opportunities, lying largely unused despite its rich history. Critics argue that while the concept was sound, poor execution ultimately doomed the initiative.

The NSC has taken these lessons to heart. The revived Adopt an Athlete programme is designed to avoid the pitfalls of its predecessors. By focusing on individual athletes rather than large-scale infrastructure projects, the commission aims to deliver measurable results in a shorter timeframe.

The programme has attracted interest from various corporate sponsors and philanthropists. These partnerships have enabled the NSC to expand the initiative to include athletes from various disciplines, including track and field, boxing, and basketball. By 2028, the hope is that Nigeria will not just participate in the Olympics but compete for top honours across multiple sports.

The Adopt an Athlete programme represents a bold step toward addressing the systemic issues that have plagued Nigerian sports for years. Its success, however, depends on sustained commitment from all stakeholders—athletes, sponsors, and administrators alike. If executed effectively, the programme has the potential to transform Nigeria into a powerhouse in global sports. More importantly, it could restore national pride and inspire a new generation of athletes to dream big.

As the world looks ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Nigeria’s preparations serve as a reminder that with vision and dedication, even the loftiest goals are within reach. For now, the athletes are training, the sponsors are funding, and the nation is watching. The journey has begun.