The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening grassroots sports across Nigeria following a courtesy visit by former Super Eagles star Seyi Olofinjana in Abuja.
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The high-level engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by Adeboye to build strategic partnerships that will reposition grassroots sports as a foundation for youth empowerment, talent discovery and national development under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking after the visit, Adeboye described the meeting as timely and encouraging, noting that the involvement of former international players is critical to building a sustainable sports ecosystem in the country.
“This visit is a positive signal for the future of grassroots sports in Nigeria. Former national team players bring invaluable experience, professionalism and global exposure that can greatly support our efforts to nurture young talents at the community level,” Adeboye said.
He disclosed that discussions focused on practical frameworks for youth empowerment, talent identification and the strengthening of community-based sports structures nationwide, stressing that grassroots sports remain the bedrock of national sporting success.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, sports development is being repositioned as a tool for unity, discipline, job creation and national growth. Grassroots engagement is at the heart of this vision,” he added.
On his part, Olofinjana expressed appreciation for the warm reception and pledged his readiness to contribute meaningfully to initiatives aimed at mentoring and developing young Nigerian athletes.
“I welcome the opportunity to collaborate in advancing grassroots sports. This engagement highlights the importance of partnerships between government and sports veterans in creating lasting impact and opening opportunities for Nigerian youths,” the former Wolves midfielder said.
The meeting underscores the SSA’s growing drive to harness experience, policy support and stakeholder collaboration to build a strong pipeline of future champions for Nigeria.
