The National Sports Commission (NSC) has swiftly intervened to resolve the recent challenges faced by Team Nigeria at the ongoing 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, ensuring stability and renewed focus for the country’s athletes on the global stage.
Led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, the NSC oversaw the immediate payment of all athletes’ bonuses and allowances in Tokyo, ending the uncertainty that had unsettled the camp.
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Hon. Olopade convened a crucial meeting with the athletes and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), where he reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of athletes at all times. He emphasized that the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is clear: to ensure every Nigerian representing the nation competes with dignity, backed by full support.
“I understand there have been challenges in the past that led to misunderstandings. This is why Mr. President has revamped sports administration with the establishment of the NSC,” Olopade stated. “Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and I are committed to making sure our athletes are treated with the utmost priority.”
Olopade urged the athletes to remain patriotic in both performance and conduct, stressing that they are ambassadors of Nigeria on the world stage.
The timely intervention comes as Team Nigeria records historic moments in Tokyo. Rising sprint star Kayinsola Ajayi electrified the global audience by storming into the men’s 100m final — the first Nigerian to do so in 18 years. Meanwhile, Tobi Amusan, the reigning queen of the hurdles, claimed silver in the women’s 100m hurdles final with a stunning time of 12.24 seconds, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing stature in world athletics.
With issues now resolved and performances already turning heads, Nigeria’s contingent looks set to finish the championships on a high, blending administrative stability with athletic brilliance.
