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Philip Shaibu: Nigeria Can Become a Global Sports Destination If Stakeholders Unite
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), H.E. Comrade Philip Shaibu, has expressed confidence that Nigeria can evolve into a major sports destination if key stakeholders deliberately work together toward a common goal.
Shaibu made the assertion in Rabat, Morocco, shortly after Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a 4–2 penalty shootout defeat to the host nation in the semifinals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The former Edo State deputy governor urged Nigerian sports administrators to take lessons from Morocco’s recent strides, particularly its massive investments in sports infrastructure and organization, which have positioned the North African nation as a benchmark on the continent.
“I think we leaders in Nigeria, myself inclusive, should, with deliberate effort, know that traveling is also education,” Shaibu said. “When we travel to places like this, we should also copy the good things we see and bring them back to Nigeria.”
He praised Morocco’s remarkable progress, noting that the country has set a new standard for sports development in Africa.
“Well, I think Morocco has gone very far, very, very far. Morocco is setting the pace in Africa now. When we went to South Africa for the World Cup in 2010, I thought South Africa was there, but with the kind of facilities that I see in Morocco now, it is clear they have raised the bar,” he added.
Shaibu’s remarks come amid growing calls for Nigeria to prioritize long-term investment in sports infrastructure, administration, and development, with many believing such a strategy could boost youth engagement, tourism, and the nation’s global sporting profile.
