Sowore vows Nigeria will qualify for World Cups if elected

Human rights activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, is running for president under the African Action Congress. He promises that Nigeria will not miss any FIFA World Cup during his eight-year term if he wins.

Sowore made this promise on Saturday in Enugu. He was at the 2026 Enugu City International Marathon, where he ran the 10-kilometre race for the second time.

He said his government would make Nigeria a major sports hub by developing different sports. This way, Nigeria can compete better on the international stage.

"Well, I came back because I was impressed with the first one and I have seen so far that the organisation is impressive," he said about the Enugu event.

Sowore called road races important for healthy living, community growth, and youth involvement. He encouraged all states in Nigeria to host similar events. He explained that a 10-kilometre race is not a full marathon. A full marathon is 42 kilometres, while a half marathon is 21 kilometres.

He added that sports events boost health and build communities. They can also help Nigeria develop young people into global ambassadors and create big economic chances.

"Most importantly, this is how to build young people to be global ambassadors of your country. There’s a big economy out there that is known as the sports economy. We call it the orange economy. It’s an economic model that, if well developed, can bring more money than oil," he said.

He pointed to Brazil and Kenya as countries that gain a lot from sports, especially football and long-distance running.

"Nigeria has 200 million people. I don’t know why we are not beating Kenya in all the long-distance races," he said.

Sowore promised to improve sports facilities and create the right conditions for athletes to succeed in various sports.

"Nigeria will become a major sports hub for the world. It doesn’t matter which sports you are doing. I’m a swimmer too, by the way. I come from the Niger Delta region. I don’t know why we are not winning swimming medals. We have great runners," he said.

He criticized how sports, especially football, is managed in Nigeria. He believes the country has the talent to do better but has missed chances due to poor management and lack of support for athletes.

"We are supposed to be at the World Cup. If I’m president of Nigeria, we are not missing any World Cup for my eight years. I’ll make sure that happens. This is because we get the best and the most competent and we will provide the environment for sports to thrive in this country," he said.

Sowore said his government would focus on finding and supporting the best talents in sports management. He sees sports development as part of a bigger plan to create jobs and earn money outside the oil industry.