Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has described the Federal Government’s recent $100,000 reward for the Super Falcons and D’Tigress as a deliberate strategy to secure the future of Nigerian sports.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Nest Resource Centre in Abuja, where he was Guest of Honour at an event organized by the National Youth Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Dayo Israel, Dikko emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s gesture goes beyond celebrating victories.
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“The rewards are not just symbolic, they show genuine commitment from the government to recognize excellence and invest in the future of Nigerian sports. When athletes know their efforts are valued, they push harder, and that builds a culture of success,” Dikko said.
He explained that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader vision of using sports as a tool to curb crime, unemployment, and restiveness among Nigerian youths, while also promoting discipline and national unity.
Dikko further stressed that the era of neglecting athletes is over, noting that President Tinubu is determined to make sports a pillar of youth empowerment and national pride.
“Every Nigerian athlete now understands that if you do the right thing, your country will stand behind you.
What the President is doing is not just about rewarding the present it is laying a solid foundation for the future of Nigerian sports,” he added.
The NSC Chairman also revealed that the government is working on a National Sports Development Framework, a structured system designed to guide athletes, coaches, and stakeholders under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“We are building a culture that values principle, discipline, and performance. This is not only about medals — it’s about giving every Nigerian athlete a fair chance at greatness. Truly, this is just the beginning,” he concluded.
