The federal government in Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to grassroots sports development, even as it moves to expand cooperation with Poland through a series of sports-related initiatives. The assurance was given at an event that brought officials from both sides together to discuss how the two countries can work more closely on developing young athletes.
The gathering was organized by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, in collaboration with the Polish Embassy in Nigeria. It was framed as part of a broader effort to deepen ties between the two countries using sport as a common ground and a starting point for wider engagement.
Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeyinka Adeboe, said efforts are ongoing to identify and nurture young talents across the country. He explained that the goal is to provide clear pathways for these young people to progress from grassroots participation all the way to elite competition.
Adeboe stressed that the relationship with Poland goes a long way, presenting it as a partnership with deep roots rather than a one-off engagement. He said one of the central aims is to take young talents away from the streets, particularly the less privileged, and give them a structured route into organised sport.
He added that young talented athletes should be promoted to the level of elite athletes, expressing confidence that the country will see considerable improvement coming from its pool of young performers. The focus, he indicated, is on turning raw, early promise into competitive results over time.
As part of that pipeline, Adeboe noted that curriculum activities have been introduced in all primary and secondary schools. The move is intended to embed sport within the education system, so that talent can be spotted early and supported as children move through their schooling.
On the Polish side, a representative said the collaboration showed a readiness to partner with an important country, and that the two sides could get to know each other by doing something positive and enjoyable together. The partner added that the cooperation could, in the future, bring out young people interested not only in sports but possibly in international relations as well.