Nigeria Olympafrica Sports Centre Initiative boost as Lagos unveils new facility aimed at grassroots development and nurturing future Olympic athletes

Nigeria’s sporting landscape received a major boost on Wednesday as the Olympafrica Centre was officially inaugurated in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State, with key stakeholders hailing it as a landmark investment in grassroots development and elite athlete grooming.

Also read: FIFA–Saudi Fund Deal Boosts Global Sports Infrastructure

Olympafrica Centre Nigeria sports boost project was unveiled by the Nigeria Olympic Committee, led by its President Habu Gumel, who described the facility as a long-term commitment to strengthening the country’s talent pipeline.

Built on a 6.7-hectare site allocated in 1990, the complex represents decades of planning and renewed collaboration between sporting authorities and development partners.

Gumel said the centre is designed to serve as a foundation for discovering and nurturing future champions, stressing that sustained success in international competitions begins at the grassroots level.

“This is more than just a facility; it is a platform for discovering and developing the next generation of Nigerian athletes,” he said. “The athletes we groom here today will represent Nigeria on the global stage tomorrow.”

The centre features indoor halls for karate, taekwondo, wrestling and weightlifting, alongside outdoor courts for basketball, volleyball and tennis.

A full-size football pitch, running track, pavilion, and modern changing rooms further complete the sporting complex.

Plans were also revealed for a residential estate occupying 60 per cent of the land, which will integrate sporting and community infrastructure.

According to Gumel, the commercial model is intended to ensure the facility remains active throughout the year through training programmes and competitions.

Representing the National Sports Commission Chairman, Shehu Dikko, former international footballer Ahmed Musa praised the initiative, describing it as aligned with national efforts to identify and develop young sporting talent.

Chief Executive Officer of Olympafrica, Alasanne Diack, urged young athletes to take advantage of the facility, while calling on Nigeria to translate its sporting potential into consistent international success.

“Nigeria has enormous potential, but we must translate that into medals,” he said, adding that the centre should mark a turning point for the country’s sporting ambitions.

The unveiling ceremony drew government officials, sports administrators, traditional rulers, athletes and schoolchildren, who toured the facility as groundwork began for the planned residential development.

Gumel expressed confidence that the centre could evolve into a world-class training hub within the next decade, capable of producing athletes for the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, African Games and World Championships.

Also read: Lionel Messi Saudi Offer Rejected by Sports Minister

The development signals a renewed push to strengthen Nigeria’s sporting foundations through structured grassroots investment and modern infrastructure.