By Aderonke Ojo
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has pledged to support the development of shooting sport in Nigeria through improved infrastructure, talent identification, domestic competitions and international exposure for promising athletes.
Chairman of the Commission, Shehu Dikko, made the commitment at the maiden National Defence College (NDC) Course 34 Graduation Shooting Competition held at the National Shooting Range, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
Dikko described shooting as an important Olympic sport with significant potential to contribute to Nigeria’s medal prospects, stressing that the country must expand its focus beyond traditional sports.
“ The Commission was committed to supporting every sport according to its comparative advantage and would work with the Nigeria Shooting Sport Federation (NSSF) to create a structured pathway for athletes with the potential to compete at the highest level,” he said .
According to him, the process would begin with domestic competitions where talents can be identified before being supported with appropriate training, coaching and participation in international competitions.
“ Explained that international exposure would enable athletes to compete against leading performers, gain valuable experience, accumulate points and improve their rankings towards qualification for the Olympic Games.
“ The commission also planned to revamp existing sporting infrastructure, including the shooting facility at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, to create a stronger environment for talent development.
“ I expressed confidence that Nigeria could develop athletes capable of competing in shooting, fencing and other sports that have traditionally received less attention, with the ultimate objective of winning medals at future Olympic Games,” he said .
The Chairman congratulated the National Defence College and the Nigeria Shooting Sport Federation for organising the competition and encouraged other institutions to undertake similar initiatives.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with sporting federations and institutions by providing technical and, where possible, financial support to develop athletes and sporting infrastructure.
Dikko said the initiative was consistent with the Commission’s broader “Reset, Refocus and Reload” vision, particularly the emphasis on strengthening domestic sports development as the foundation for international success.
