Sports enthusiast and award-winning advocate Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi has called for the appointment of seasoned sports technocrats to lead Nigeria’s sports sector, stressing that only professionals with deep industry knowledge can restore the nation’s sporting glory.
Atoyebi, who recently received a Sports Role Model Award in Denmark, made the remarks while speaking as a panellist at the Big Sports Dialogue 0.1 held in Ikoyi, Lagos.
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She identified the absence of technocratic leadership and the poor state of sporting infrastructure as two of the biggest challenges undermining Nigeria’s sports development. According to her, meaningful reform can only happen when these issues are addressed urgently.
Atoyebi said she has consistently advocated for the appointment of sports experts who understand the operational demands of the sector.
“Technocrats are equipped to develop realistic blueprints, implement them effectively, and remain accountable, which is crucial for progress,” she said.
She also stressed the need for decisive action on infrastructure, noting that no significant transformation can occur without modern, well-maintained facilities. She added that other countries have made rapid progress by prioritising investments that support athlete development.
The event brought together sports administrators, stakeholders, and media practitioners to examine systemic issues affecting Nigeria’s sporting performance.
Atoyebi further expressed disappointment over the continuous neglect of women’s sports, although female athletes have delivered more international honours than their male counterparts. She called for increased visibility and stronger institutional support for women in sports.
