Popular Nigerian music icon, Abolore Adegbola Akande, widely known as 9ice, has called on the Federal Government and private stakeholders to invest more in sports infrastructure and grassroots activities to harness and elevate the country’s athletic potential.
The veteran singer made the call during an exclusive interview after the closing ceremony of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U-18/U-20 Championships, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
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Describing the tournament as a “sensational and seamless showcase” of African talent, 9ice hailed the championships as an ideal platform to discover and promote young and talented athletes across the continent.
“This is the best platform for young athletes on the continent,” he said. “The event is excellent, and we pray that the government invests more in sporting activities in Nigeria. South Africa has invested heavily in theirs, and we too should support our young talents.”
The Oyo-born entertainer (Abolore Adegbola Akande), known for his deep use of Yoruba proverbs in music, commended Team Nigeria’s performance at the championship, noting that the athletes made the nation proud.
He emphasized the importance of sustained support for grassroots sports, stating that consistent investment would yield global champions for Nigeria, as witnessed in the past.
“Over the years, this event has produced stars like Tobi Amusan, Ese Brume, and Favour Ofili. These are world champions who started from this stage,” 9ice added.
The championship, which featured 940 athletes, saw South Africa emerge overall winners, followed by Nigeria and Kenya in second and third positions respectively.
A former amateur boxer and footballer himself, 9ice praised the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC) under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chief Bukola Olopade, the Ogun State Sports Ministry led by Honourable Isiaka Wasiu, and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) for their roles in organizing the successful tournament.
“May God bless the organisers and enlarge their capacity to do more for our youths and for sports in Nigeria,” he concluded.
The CAA U-18/U-20 Championship continues to serve as a launchpad for Africa’s next generation of athletic stars
