Are pushes for grassroots sports plan at National Summit

President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Ademola Are, says the National Grassroots Sports Development Summit 2026 could offer a way to improve how we find and develop talent across Nigeria.

Are, who is also the chairman of the summit’s Accommodation and Logistics Sub-Committee, said the event will gather sports leaders, policymakers, and others to create a better plan for grassroots sports.

“This summit is coming at a time when the management of the National Sports Commission is preaching grassroots sports development because that is the only way Nigeria can continue producing talents.”

The summit is set for November 18 and 19 at the Banquet Hall, State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Are mentioned that this meeting will allow people and organizations already working on grassroots development to help create a common national framework.

“Bringing together notable individuals from across the country who are contributing effectively to grassroots sports development is a step in the right direction,” he said.

“I can assure you that the document that will eventually be prepared and adopted will go a long way in repositioning grassroots sports development in Nigeria.”

He also pointed to the National Sports Commission’s Team IJA initiative, which helps promising athletes found through the National Youth Games, as a good example of planned talent development.

The summit, themed “Creating a New Pathway for Sustainable Grassroots Sports Development”, will focus on participation, talent development, infrastructure, sports economy, and international pathways.

The recommendations are expected to show how to find, support, and guide young athletes from local competitions to national and international opportunities.