Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for securing Nigeria’s hosting rights for the 48th Extraordinary CAF Meeting and CAF Awards Ceremony scheduled for October 2026.
Shaibu described the achievement as a major boost for Nigeria’s image in global sports and a reflection of the country’s growing influence within international football administration.
“I must congratulate the NFF President and officials for this achievement. It is a great feat and a positive image boost for Nigeria. This is the way to go—Nigeria must be seen and heard on the global stage,” Shaibu stated.
The NIS boss made the remarks while receiving former Super Eagles coach and Technical Adviser Austine Eguavoen during a strategic meeting between the NIS and the NFF at the Institute’s boardroom.
Shaibu praised Eguavoen’s immense contribution to Nigerian football, describing the former national team captain as “a moving encyclopedia in sports” due to his vast experience and deep understanding of the game.
He also reiterated the strategic importance of the National Institute for Sports in driving sustainable sports development in Nigeria, describing the Institute as the nation’s “engine room” for coaching education and technical advancement.
According to him, meaningful progress in Nigerian sports can only be achieved through stronger institutional collaboration and continuous investment in sports education and development.
In his remarks, Eguavoen emphasized the need for deeper partnerships between football bodies and the Institute, noting that the meeting formed part of broader efforts to strengthen cooperation with the NIS.
The former Super Eagles coach also reflected on his personal journey, expressing appreciation to the Institute for playing a major role in shaping his career and professional development.
Eguavoen further commended Shaibu’s leadership at the NIS, stating that the reforms and improvements currently being implemented are visionary and future oriented.
“What is being done here is not just for today, but for the future of Nigerian sports,” Eguavoen said while congratulating the DG on his achievements.
The meeting reinforced growing collaboration between key stakeholders in Nigerian sports as efforts continue toward improving technical development, administration, and international competitiveness across the country’s sporting landscape.
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