Former Sports Minister Sunday Dare Speaks on Private Sector Investment at NNL Super 4 in Ikenne

Former Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, addressed the media during the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 4 in Ikenne, emphasizing the critical role of private sector investment in Nigerian sports.

“Private sector investment in sports is key. Imagine where we are now thanks to Honourable Kunle Soname with lots of incentives. Investment in Nigerian sports is in dismal,” Dare said.

Reflecting on his tenure as Sports Minister, Dare urged state governments to step back from club ownership. “When I was the Minister of Sports, I hosted every State Governor with a club and I told them it is time to hands off ownership of clubs for private sector unless that all the clubs will die. I am glad that is gradually happening with the promotion of four privately owned teams. As we go on, all state clubs will falter and fail. The private club will survive.”

Dare also praised the work of the Super Eagles coach and the involvement of former players. “I am proud Super Eagles coach is going around, scouting for players. I am glad to see most of our former players.”

He stressed the need to restore genuine competition in domestic leagues, saying, “If you are going to Maiduguri from Ikenne, you are sure that the result is not written in paper before kick off. Corruption should stop. Then discipline amongst coaches will make our leagues competitive. Last couple of African Cup of Nations was very fierce. That’s competition.”

The former minister concluded by highlighting the importance of formal sports policy. “Until we implement that Sports Industry Policy, we will continue to dance around. We will falter and get up again.”

Dare’s comments underscore a growing call for private sector involvement and stronger governance to elevate Nigerian sports to international standards.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

See Full Bio