RismadarVoice Reporters, August 29, 2026
The 2027 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has pledged to transform Nigeria into a major global sports hub if elected president.
Sowore made the promise on Saturday in Enugu while participating in the 2026 Enugu City International Marathon.
The AAC candidate said his administration would ensure that Nigeria qualifies for every FIFA World Cup throughout his proposed eight-year tenure, while also developing other sporting disciplines to compete effectively on the international stage.
Sowore, who participated in the 10-kilometre race for the second time, said he returned after being impressed by the organisation of the previous edition.
He described road races as important platforms for promoting healthy living, community development and youth engagement, urging state governments across the country to organise similar events.
However, he noted that the 10-kilometre event was technically a road race and not a full marathon, explaining that a standard marathon covers 42 kilometres, while a half marathon is 21 kilometres.
According to him, sports can contribute significantly to public health, community development, youth empowerment and the growth of Nigeria’s economy.
Sowore described the sports sector as part of the “orange economy,” saying it had the potential to generate substantial revenue if properly developed.
He cited countries such as Brazil and Kenya as examples of nations that have benefited significantly from investments in sports, particularly football and long-distance running.
“Nigeria has 200 million people. I don’t know why we are not beating Kenya in all the long-distance races,” he said.
Sowore also expressed concern over Nigeria’s performance in other sporting disciplines, including swimming, arguing that the country had the human resources and natural potential to produce world-class athletes.
He pledged that an AAC-led administration would invest in sports infrastructure and create an enabling environment for athletes to develop and compete internationally.
“Nigeria will become a major sports hub for the world. It doesn’t matter which sports you are doing. I’m a swimmer too, by the way,” he said.
The presidential candidate further criticised the administration of sports in Nigeria, particularly football, saying poor management and inadequate support had prevented the country from fully realising its sporting potential.
Sowore described Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup as unacceptable and promised to prioritise the development of football and other sports if elected.
“We are supposed to be at the World Cup. If I’m president of Nigeria, we are not missing any World Cup for my eight years. I’ll make sure that happens,” he said.
He added that his administration would prioritise competence in sports management and provide the necessary conditions for athletes to thrive.
