The Forum of Directors of Sports in Nigeria has provided clarity regarding its alignment with the National Sports Commission (NSC) on the reduction of sports for this year's National Sports Festival, known as the Coal City Games. The NSC's decision to limit the number of sports to 20—comprising 15 compulsory and five optional events—had sparked considerable debate within the sports community.
Setting the Record Straight
Acting Chairman of the Forum, Mr. Nunayon Travih, addressed the media yesterday to correct misconceptions about the recent engagement meeting with NSC leadership in Abuja. He emphasized that a publication claiming the number of sports had been increased from 20 to 27 was unauthorized and does not reflect the Forum's official stance.
“The publication does not represent the official position, resolutions, or communique of the Forum of Directors of Sports Nigeria at a recent engagement meeting held with the leadership of the NSC, led by the Director-General, Bukola Olopade, in Abuja,” Travih stated.
Meeting Details and Rationale
During the meeting, discussions focused on the proposed restructuring of the National Sports Festival and the selection of compulsory and optional sports for future editions, as agreed at the last National Council for Sports in Calabar, Cross River State, in 2025. Olopade provided detailed explanations on the rationale behind the selected sports and the festival format restructuring.
“It was emphasized that the National Sports Festival remains the exclusive property and responsibility of the NSC, which reserves the right to determine its organizational structure, operational framework, and competition format in line with national sports development objectives and international best practices,” Travih added.
Reduction for Efficiency
Travih, who also serves as Director of Sports for the Lagos State Sports Commission, explained that the proposed reduction and streamlining of sports aim to reduce financial and logistical burdens on host states, encourage more states to bid for and host the Games, enhance organizational efficiency, and align the Festival with global sporting realities, including models from the Commonwealth Games and similar multi-sport events.
Approved Sports List
The meeting concluded with the selection of 15 compulsory and five optional sports. The compulsory sports are:
- Athletics and Para Athletics
- Badminton and Para Badminton
- Basketball and Wheelchair Basketball
- Boxing
- Cycling
- Football
- Gymnastics
- Judo
- Mixed Martial Arts
- Swimming
- Table Tennis and Para Table Tennis
- Tennis
- Taekwondo
- Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting
- Wrestling
The optional sports are:
- Cricket
- Canoeing and Para Canoeing
- Darts
- Golf
- Shooting and Para Shooting
Clarifying Para Sports Inclusion
Travih clarified that confusion arose from the inclusion of Para Sports categories, which are internationally recognized as integral components under their respective primary sports, not separate events. The following Para Sports do not constitute additional sports:
- Para Athletics under Athletics
- Para Badminton under Badminton
- Wheelchair Basketball under Basketball
- Para Table Tennis under Table Tennis
- Para Powerlifting under Weightlifting
- Para Canoeing under Canoeing
- Para Shooting under Shooting
“The inclusion of Para Sports remains consistent with global best practices in inclusive sports development and does not alter the approved number of sports for the National Sports Festival,” he stated.
Forum’s Professional Submissions
The Forum made several professional submissions and observations, including advocacy for additional team sports and broader participation opportunities for athletes across Nigeria. These submissions were made constructively to strengthen sports development, inclusiveness, and effective administration.
“The Forum also acknowledged the prevailing economic realities and the need for practical reforms capable of reducing the financial and logistical demands associated with hosting the National Sports Festival, thereby encouraging more states to indicate interest in hosting future editions of the Games,” Travih said.
The Forum remains committed to constructive engagement with the NSC and all stakeholders for sustainable sports development and national unity through sports.
