Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on sports administrators across Nigeria to prioritise talent discovery and development at the grassroots level, highlighting the importance of structured programmes to identify and nurture young athletes. Speaking at the launch of the U‑18 Unity Cup in Abuja, Akpabio stressed that sustainable sporting success depends on long-term investment in local leagues, proper training facilities, and professional development for coaches and referees.
The initiative includes collaboration between schools, community clubs, and national sports bodies to ensure that young talent receives adequate support. The plan also outlines a framework for monitoring athletes’ progression, providing scholarships and stipends to promising players, and creating pathways for youth to transition from amateur to professional levels. Akpabio highlighted the potential economic benefits of grassroots sports development, including youth employment opportunities and the expansion of sports-related industries. Officials noted that the programme aligns with Nigeria’s broader sports policy and is expected to produce measurable improvements in the country’s international sporting performance.
