Basketball promoter and founder of the Mark D Ball Basketball Championship, Igoche Mark, has commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC), expressing optimism about the future of Nigerian sports in 2026. He described ongoing reforms as transformative and capable of repositioning the sector for growth and global relevance.In a statement released in Abuja, Mark said the establishment of the NSC by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in November 2024 marked a turning point in sports administration. He noted that the commission’s leadership, under Chairman Malam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade, has introduced a renewed sense of direction and accountability. According to him, the commission has embarked on reforms aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s sports ecosystem and restoring confidence among athletes, administrators, and investors. He said the changes have already begun to yield positive results across multiple sporting disciplines.
Mark praised the NSC’s flagship programme, the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE), describing it as a strategic effort to reposition sports as a viable contributor to national development. He said the programme’s focus on infrastructure development and youth engagement reflects a long-term vision for sustainability. He highlighted plans to renovate major stadiums nationwide and the introduction of the Junior Athletes Initiative (JAI) as evidence of the commission’s commitment to grassroots development. According to him, these initiatives will help nurture young talents and create a steady pipeline of athletes for the future.
Commenting on economic impact, Mark noted that the sports sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has risen to over one per cent. He described this as an unprecedented milestone that underscores the untapped potential of sports as an economic driver.He added that private sector participation has increased, while grassroots sports are receiving renewed attention, creating opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills and pursue professional careers. He said the reforms have helped restore confidence in the sports industry.
However, the basketball promoter urged the NSC to give priority attention to resolving lingering challenges in basketball administration. He stressed the need for locally driven solutions that address the unique realities of the sport in Nigeria without external interference. Mark expressed confidence that Nigerian sports is on the verge of a major breakthrough, citing recent performances by national teams. He referenced the Super Eagles’ showing at the Africa Cup of Nations and the growing potential of Nigeria’s basketball teams as indicators of progress.
As the Super Eagles prepare for the knockout stages of the ongoing AFCON in Morocco, Mark called on Nigerians to rally behind the team. He said a continental triumph would provide a strong start to the 2026 sports calendar and further energise the sector.He concluded that sustained commitment from government, administrators, and stakeholders would position Nigerian sports as a global force capable of driving economic growth, creating jobs, and inspiring future generations.
