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Some sports stakeholders and enthusiasts have expressed mixed feelings about football dominating other sports in Nigeria.
In separate interviews on Friday in Lagos, they noted football remains the nation’s most popular sport, watched nationwide.
They stressed that from neighbourhood pitches to international stadiums, football dominates conversations, broadcasts and headlines daily across Nigeria.
Some, however, argued that Nigeria must develop other sports while keeping football strong, to ensure balanced and sustainable growth in the country’s sporting sector.
Tennis coach, Jide Oladele, said football’s dominance stems from its popularity. “In almost every family or group of friends, at least one person is a football fan,” he said.
He added that this wide support creates a funding imbalance.
He said, “Unlike before, when Nigeria had competitions across many sports, nowadays almost every major competition is about football.’’
Basketball coach, Henry Ajadi, also expressed his view. He believes football attracts more attention simply because it has more fans than any other sport in Nigeria.
He stated, “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying other sports are not interesting. But the one with the most fans, the one attracting people, is football.’’
Mr Ajadi stated that even as a basketball coach, he supports football. “I like basketball, but I also support Manchester United. That’s how powerful football is in Nigeria.’’
He argued that the government’s focus on football does not necessarily harm other sports. “The real problem is that activities in other sports are not well known nationwide,” he stated.
Football analyst, Adeoluwa Joseph, defended football’s dominance. He said the game has always been Nigeria’s grassroots sport, long before tennis, volleyball, swimming or basketball gained presence.
He noted, “Most of our sporting legends are footballers, from Jay-Jay Okocha to Nwankwo Kanu. Football has been Nigeria’s number one sport since the beginning.’’
Mr Joseph also dismissed claims that football takes all the support, stating “Some say other sports don’t get funding, but does football even get enough? It is simply the country’s top sport.’’
He stressed that Nigeria must still find ways to develop other sports while keeping football strong, ensuring balanced and sustainable growth across the country’s sporting sector.
(NAN)
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