By Isa Abdul, Abuja

Emeka Anyadike, international sports consultant and communications expert, holds the view that football is Nigeria’s most powerful entertainment industry, greater in global reach, economic value and commercial influence which surpass Afrobeats and Nollywood combined.

It was at the Atlantic Blue Hotel and Resort in Abuja, that the Chief Executive Officer of EEXsports, made the remarks during a FIFA World Cup viewing event. He highlighted football’s unique ability to unite millions of people across cultures while generating enormous economic opportunities.

The presence of global music stars at major football events, he insists, further demonstrates the sport’s unmatched appeal rather than diminishing its significance.

“People celebrate Afrobeats and Nollywood, but football is even bigger.

“The FIFA World Cup features global stars such as Burna Boy, Shakira and Justin Bieber, yet they are only part of the spectacle. Fans tune in primarily because of football. That shows the scale of the industry’s global reach and commercial potential.”

Enyadike has worked in the oil sector and with FIFA in information management and communications. From experience gathered, he calls Nigerians to begin viewing sport as a critical economic sector capable of creating employment, attracting investment and contributing significantly to national development than just to while away time.

He noted that Nigeria’s absence from the current FIFA World Cup had done little to diminish public enthusiasm for the tournament.

“Despite not qualifying for this World Cup, the level of interest across the country has been remarkable. Thousands of Nigerians are still gathering to watch matches involving teams such as Spain and Argentina. That alone demonstrates the immense power and global appeal of football. Even without our national team participating, the passion remains, which shows just how massive the football industry truly is,” he said.

Speaking on the vision behind EEXsports, Enyadike explained:

“Our goal is to build a sustainable sports ecosystem by connecting experienced professionals with the next generation. We are making world-class knowledge accessible locally, eliminating the need for many young people to travel abroad to acquire the same expertise.”

He stressed that EEXsports would continue to bring together key stakeholders from across the public and private sectors to stimulate investment, encourage innovation and unlock the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s sports industry.

By Felix Umande

Team Nigeria made a statement on the opening day of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on Friday, combining history and dominance with Esther Nworgu’s gold medal in para powerlifting and the country’s first-ever victory in 3×3 basketball.

The double success gave Nigeria an early lift as the 74-athlete contingent began its campaign across 10 sports.

Nworgu, 24, delivered Team Nigeria’s first gold of the Games in the women’s para powerlifting lightweight category, setting two new Games records on her way to the title.

She opened with 118kg on her first attempt to score 114.1 points and take the lead. Less than 10 minutes later, she improved on her own mark with a 123kg lift for 119 points, sealing gold outright.

In line with the National Sports Commission’s enhanced athlete welfare and reward policy, Nworgu received an instant cash reward of $5,000 at the venue, with a further $5,000 paid directly into her account, bringing her total to $10,000.

The NSC said the reward structure is designed to motivate athletes and recognise outstanding performances on the global stage.

Hours later, Nigeria’s 3×3 basketball team made history with a 21-17 win over the Cayman Islands in their Pool A opener, the country’s first-ever victory in the event at the Commonwealth Games.

Nigeria reached the winning mark with one minute and 36 seconds remaining after combining sharp shooting with solid perimeter defence to subdue a determined Cayman Islands side.

The opening-day wins provide an early boost to Nigeria’s medal chase in Glasgow. With athletes also in action in boxing and para powerlifting later on Friday, the NSC has set a target of between 16 and 20 gold medals for the Games.

Team Nigeria will be hoping the momentum from Nworgu’s record-breaking gold and the basketball team’s historic win translates into more podium finishes as competition continues.

By Isa Abdul, Abuja

The Federation of International Football Association, FIFA, world soccer govering body has stated that Nigeria possesses the talent to qualify for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. But must build a more stable football structure to return to the global soccer stage.

FIFA in its assessment of the Super Eagles published on its website on Wednesday, noted that Nigeria has reached the Round of 16 in three of its six FIFA World Cup appearances but has failed to qualify for the last two editions.

The Super Eagles made the knockout stage at the 1994, 1998 and 2014 tournaments but were absent from the 2018 and 2026 World Cup tournaments.

In the campaign to qualify for the 2026 finals, Nigeria finished second behind South Africa in Group C of the CAF qualifiers. That earned her a place in the second round to determine Africa’s representatives at the intercontinental play-offs.

Nigeria overcame Gabon 4-1 after extra time to reach the final qualifying fixture but fell short against the Democratic Republic of Congo, losing on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

For different reasons bordering on market size and ceaseless vast pool of skilful players, despite the disappointment performance, FIFA maintain that Nigeria remains one of Africa’s football powerhouses.

Understandably, the football governing body, sees the country’s chances of returning to the World Cup in players and more on establishing a stable system capable of producing consistent results.

According to FIFA: “The Super Eagles have soared into the last 16 at half of the six World Cup tournaments that they have contested, namely in 1994, 1998 and 2014, but have been absent from the last two editions.

“The three-time continental champions were runners-up to South Africa in Group C of CAF qualifying for this year’s extravaganza. That was enough to earn a spot in the second round, which determined who would go through to the intercontinental play-offs. Having got the better of Gabon 4-1 after extra time, however, Eric Chelle’s charges came unstuck against Congo DR in a penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw in the decider.

“Nevertheless, with the country’s vast footballing production line, Nigeria’s potential remains enormous. Making it to the 2030 showpiece will therefore hinge less on ability than on stability in the shape of a robust structure that paves the way for reliable performances.”

The “robust structure that paves the way” indeed may be one of the Archives hills of Nigerian football. Sport management especially football is believed to have become a cesspool of corruption.

And FIFA knows it.