RismadarVoice Reporters, May 6, 2026
The National Sports Commission has formally inaugurated the board of the Nigeria Netball Federation, marking what officials describe as a major step toward granting the sport full organisational structure and legitimacy in the country.
The ceremony, held in Abuja, was presided over by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, who said netball holds significant potential to develop grassroots talent and position Nigeria as a competitive force internationally.
Dikko described the newly constituted board as well-structured and governance-driven, noting its adoption of a constitution and a five-year strategic plan as key indicators of readiness.
“The potential of this sport is huge,” he said. “With the calibre of personalities on this board, Nigeria can become very competitive at the global stage in no distant time.”
The Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, also described the development as historic, saying it reflects renewed government backing for sports development and institutional reforms.
He said the formal recognition of netball opens opportunities for Nigeria to tap into diaspora talent and strengthen its chances in international competitions.
“We have a large pool of quality netball players abroad who are eager to represent Nigeria,” he said. “This federation puts us on the right path to building a strong competitive structure.”
Olopade also highlighted the inclusiveness of the board, noting the significant representation of women as a positive step for gender balance in sports administration.
The newly inaugurated federation president, Esther Oluwatoyin Aluko, expressed appreciation to the NSC leadership for formalising the sport’s governance structure after years of stagnation.
She said the federation has developed a framework built around specialised commissions and performance targets, aimed at strengthening domestic competition and achieving international standards.
According to her, the long-term plan includes developing national infrastructure for netball, including a dedicated complex and multiple international-standard courts capable of hosting continental and global tournaments by 2029.
