Shehu Dikko’s appointment as National Sports Commission chairman, it is hoped will herald a sense of all-around professionalism, in the manner which the business of sports administration is conducted.
Dikko, a seasoned football administrator, emerging as the next face of government’s effort to make sense of modern sports, was quickly greeted with approval by friends of football.
It’s unclear what other sectors of the industry made of that appointment, but it is expected that the Chairman will touch base with all stakeholders.
Perhaps, last night was impeccable to show Sports in Nigeria will truly be governed by someone with a broader view than just football. But Dikko surely left many disappointed.
In one of his few not so willy-nilly public appearances, the NSC Chairman like some would have feared chose football.
On the day Nigeria played its final Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match in Uyo, simultaneously, in Port Harcourt the Nigeria Basketball Premier League Super 8 final was on.
Super Eagles line up before their 2025 AFCON Qualifying match against Rwanda. Photo | FERWAFA
He chose Uyo, to cheer the Super Eagles who had already booked their ticket to next year’s tournament, over the Men’s Basketball League final.
The NBPL Trophy.
Presumably, it wasn’t a difficult choice to make, all the familiar faces were in Uyo; Osimhen, Iwobi and co., Basketball was relegated and not for the first time.
The NSC Boss skipped the chance to soak-in what tremendous atmosphere Basketball fans – without extra motivation – can creat in a Championship game.
Disappointly, Dikko passed on the opportunity to score a major point with Basketball stakeholders and see first-hand the Sport’s true state, in Nigeria.
Nigerian Champions, Rivers Hoopers finished third at The BAL. Photo | bal.nba
Nonetheless, and in due course it is expected that Shehu Dikko will consult with Federation leaders.
These leaders will listen with rapt attention, when he attempts to sell them on his vision for the industry’s growth – not just football.
