Former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami, speaking at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Plateau State, urged the Federal Government to harness sports as a catalyst for economic growth. Delivering a lecture titled “The Role of Sports as an Enabler of the Orange Economy” to participants of Senior Executive Course 48, Odegbami emphasized that Nigeria must develop structures and confidence to engage meaningfully in the global economy. He argued that sports, beyond football and competition, constitutes an ecosystem encompassing ticketing, branding, insurance, facilities, and sports apparel, offering significant opportunities for job creation and wealth generation.
Odegbami highlighted the underutilization of sports infrastructure in Nigeria, citing examples from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Scandinavian nations where physical activity is integrated into urban planning. He criticized the tendency for stadia to become dormant after major events, advocating for designs that ensure continuous economic utility. “Our stadia should not be built only for competitions and then abandoned,” he stated, stressing the need for sustainable infrastructure. The 74-year-old also underscored the sector’s potential to foster national unity and called for expanded opportunities for female athletes, drawing from his own efforts to nurture sporting talent through his academy.
The former football legend, who remains active by jogging, encouraged Nigerians to embrace physical activity for health and productivity. He challenged the nation to move beyond theoretical aspirations, advocating for the confidence and structures needed to transform sports into a sustainable economic pillar. His remarks were part of NIPSS’s broader focus on leveraging Nigeria’s creative and entrepreneurial potential for national development. Odegbami’s call comes amid ongoing government initiatives, including a ₦18bn severance package for ex-Nigeria Airways workers and a $1bn social protection program for vulnerable citizens.
Odegbami’s lecture also touched on the need for systemic investment in sports infrastructure and talent development, aligning with global practices. His appeal reflects a growing recognition of sports as a multifaceted industry capable of driving economic diversification. As Nigeria seeks to reduce reliance on oil, the integration of sports into national development strategies could unlock new avenues for growth, employment, and international engagement.