Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has warned sports federations against non-compliance with Section 16 of the law establishing the commission, while also speaking on issues surrounding the Super Eagles’ Tuesday clash with Guinea.
Key Highlights
- NSC DG Bukola Olopade warns sports federations against violating Section 16 of the NSC Act.
- Sports federations must obtain operating licences from the National Sports Commission.
- Federations that breach the law risk sanctions, including licence withdrawal.
- Olopade urges federation presidents to study the law and ensure compliance.
- He clarifies that the NSC does not directly administer the Super Eagles or NFF.
Olopade gave the warning in an interview with The Trumpet on Monday, during a good governance seminar for presidents of sports federations in Nigeria, where he addressed sports governance, football administration, athlete welfare and preparations for upcoming international engagements.
He said Section 16 of the NSC Act was already in force and provides the legal framework for the operation of sports federations in the country.
According to Olopade, every sports federation is required to obtain a licence to operate through the NSC, while Nigerian law takes precedence where there is a conflict between the country’s legislation and the rules of an international sports federation.
He warned that federations that fail to comply with the provisions of the law could face sanctions, including the withdrawal of their operating licences.
“Under Section 16.2, it’s very clear, the withdrawal of your licence for you to operate as a federation,” Olopade said.
He urged federation presidents to study the provisions of Section 16 and discuss them with their respective boards to ensure that their activities remain within the legal framework and to prevent avoidable disputes with regulatory authorities.
On the Super Eagles’ Tuesday clash with Guinea, Olopade said concerns brought to the attention of the relevant sports authorities about misconducts were being followed up.
He, however, clarified the role of the NSC in Nigerian football, stressing that the commission does not directly administer the Super Eagles or the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“The NSC is not in charge of the Super Eagles or football. Let us make it very clear. Emmanuel Ikpeme is in charge of the affairs of the NFF,” he said.
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Olopade commended Ikpeme for his role in coordinating the affairs of the NFF and several national teams ahead of international competitions, describing his approach to football administration as proactive.
He also disclosed that information received from former Nigerian goalkeeper Dede, who is representing WAFU Zone B in Côte d’Ivoire, has been forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
According to Olopade, the concerns raised include issues surrounding the welfare and preparation of Nigeria’s junior national teams, particularly their kitting and other logistical requirements.
He said the concerns have received attention, adding that some of the issues raised already had solutions.
Olopade stressed that athlete welfare must remain at the centre of sports administration, noting that sports can provide opportunities for wealth creation, improve livelihoods and contribute to national development.
He commended Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President, Engineer Habu Gumel, for creating what he described as a conducive atmosphere for sports development.
Olopade also highlighted the collaboration between the NOC and NSC, saying it has contributed to peaceful federation elections across the country.
