Q & N Sports Development Launches Grassroots Program to Groom Young Nigerian Athletes
A grassroots sports initiative, Q & N Sports Development, has launched a comprehensive programme aimed at training secondary school students in sports, where Nigeria has historically seen limited international representation. The competition, dubbed the Waves of Champions Football Tournament 2026, focuses on identifying promising young athletes from Remo-land, particularly in track and field, and helping them reach their full potential through structured training and mentorship in various sports activities.
Addressing the Gap in Nigerian Athletics
Speaking ahead of the upcoming tournament scheduled for March 28 at the Gateway International Stadium in Shagamu, Ogun State, the Founder, Adewale Adegbite, explained that the initiative was inspired by Nigeria's limited representation in athletics at the Olympic Games. He emphasised that given Nigeria's substantial size and population, the country should be able to field a strong and competitive presence in global track and field competitions.
Adegbite noted that the turnout for the first edition of the competition, which was held last November, exceeded all expectations. He added, "By the end of this year's event, we aim to officially identify and establish our first set of 'Waves of Champions' athletes." The Waves of Champions programme was specifically created to address this gap by focusing on grassroots talent discovery, particularly among underprivileged and underserved youth in the region.
Transforming Lives Through Sports
Adegbite elaborated on the broader impact of the initiative, stating, "When you look at the current situation, many young people don't even realise the talents they have because of their environment. I strongly believe this initiative will make a significant difference. If successful, it will reduce the number of young people roaming the streets without direction. By identifying their talents and guiding them, we can help them not just in sports, but academically and in life. They will learn discipline, respect, and structure."
He further emphasised that his long-term goal is to identify promising athletes, train them rigorously with qualified coaches, and prepare them to compete at high levels both within Nigeria and on the international stage. This holistic approach aims to nurture well-rounded individuals who can excel in multiple aspects of their lives.
Competition Details and Community Collaboration
Adegbite announced that the competition will feature a football tournament for local clubs, with over 50 schools participating in the track and field segment. For the football tournament, cash prizes totalling ₦1,000,000 will be distributed among the first three winners, while track and field winners will also receive financial rewards to encourage and support their athletic pursuits.
To maximise the tournament's reach and visibility, the initiative is working in collaboration with the Soyoye Akinyode Welfare Initiative (SAWI), a local political group, to drive publicity and strengthen community engagement. This partnership is expected to enhance local support and ensure the programme's sustainability and impact in the region.
