Volleyball coach and former player Ike Joy Rachel has called for stronger female representation and grassroots-driven reforms in Nigerian sports following her participation in the Olympic Solidarity/NOC Sports Administration Course organised by the Nigeria Olympic Committee in Abuja.
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Speaking with Sports247 after the programme, Rachel described the course as impactful, bringing together former athletes, referees, and women from diverse sporting backgrounds to form a united front for advocacy and development.
“We came together as women in sports to ensure our voices are heard and to take our rightful positions,” she said. “It is not just about the girl child, but also about protecting all athletes, male and female, so that sports in Nigeria continues to grow.”
Rachel emphasised that the initiative represents a growing movement aimed at strengthening the role of women in sports leadership and ensuring that the interests of athletes are safeguarded.
“I believe this movement we have started as women will yield positive results,” she added.
On how the course has influenced her perspective, Rachel noted that it has inspired her to take immediate action at multiple levels, including her home, club, and grassroots environment.
“This experience will bring change. I am taking it back to my club and the grassroots to improve leadership and promote development,” she said.
She revealed that her first major step would be to promote education within sports, highlighting the importance of knowledge and awareness in driving sustainable progress.
“As I return, I will focus on promoting education in sports,” she stated.
Addressing the broader issue of gender inclusion, she identified societal attitudes as a key barrier to women’s advancement in sports leadership.
“One of the challenges we face is the belief that women’s voices are not meant to be heard. That mindset must change,” she said.
The Olympic Solidarity/NOC Sports Administration Course continues to empower women and former athletes with the tools to influence governance, promote inclusivity, and drive development across Nigeria’s sports landscape.
