Unlocking Nigeria’s Sports Economy For National Growth

Nigeria’s sports sector has long been a source of national pride, producing world-class athletes and uniting the country across ethnic and regional lines. From football to athletics, boxing to basketball, Nigerian talent has consistently made its mark on the global stage. Yet, despite its cultural and social relevance, the economic potential of sports in Nigeria remains significantly underutilised. As the country searches for new engines of growth outside oil, the sports economy stands out as a promising frontier if properly developed and strategically leveraged.
Globally, the sports industry is a multi-trillion-dollar behemoth. From media rights, merchandising, tourism, infrastructure, and event hosting, countries with robust sports economies are generating significant revenue, creating jobs, and attracting investment. For Nigeria, where youth unemployment exceeds 40 per cent and economic diversification is imperative, a thriving sports sector could offer sustainable opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, and international positioning.
The ingredients for success already exist. Nigeria has a vast youth population, over 60 per cent of its estimated 220 million citizens are under 30, many of whom are naturally inclined toward sports. Local communities across the country are home to raw talent waiting to be harnessed. But without structured pathways, these talents often go unrecognised or migrate abroad, enriching other countries’ sports systems at Nigeria’s expense.
One of the critical steps Nigeria must take is the development of sports infrastructure. This includes upgrading community sports centres, school playgrounds, and national stadiums to international standards. Private-sector partnerships can be incentivised through tax reliefs or public-private partnerships (PPPs) to ensure sustainable investment in infrastructure and training academies. The goal should be to decentralise sports development, empowering local governments and communities to run grassroots programmes that feed into regional and national leagues.
Furthermore, the establishment and monetisation of professional sports leagues can turn what is now a largely informal sector into a formal, income-generating industry. The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), for instance, remains far below its commercial potential. Improved governance, better player welfare, and a transparent league system can draw fan loyalty, corporate sponsorships, and broadcast rights, creating a value chain that includes ticketing, branding, and merchandise.
Education is also vital. Institutions should integrate sports management, marketing, physiotherapy, and coaching into tertiary curricula to produce a skilled workforce that supports a broad sports economy. Equally, regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development and the Nigerian Football Federation must ensure professionalism and integrity in the system, attracting investors and international collaboration.
Nigeria can also benefit from developing the sports tourism sector. Hosting regional tournaments, training camps, and international friendlies can generate revenue while boosting hospitality, transport, and other allied sectors. Countries like South Africa, Qatar, and Morocco have shown how strategic sports tourism can attract global attention and foreign direct investment.
Importantly, digital platforms offer another revenue stream. With millions of passionate fans, Nigeria can monetise local content through streaming rights, social media engagement, and e-sports, further empowering young entrepreneurs and tech developers.
The time to act is now. With the right policy frameworks, institutional support, and private-sector collaboration, Nigeria can build a sports economy that not only produces global champions but also delivers domestic dividends, reducing unemployment, fostering unity, and driving inclusive growth.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Sport has the power to change the world.” For Nigeria, sport has the power to change its economy. It is time to play to win, not just medals, but sustainable development.