Football coach and sports development expert, Mukhtar Sagir Dambatta, has advocated establishing sports institutions across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones and upgrading the National Institute of Sports.
Dambatta, who is also the Head Coach of Kings Mine FC, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja while speaking on strategies to reposition sports development in the country.
He said establishing specialised sports institutions in each of the six geopolitical zones would strengthen grassroots talent discovery, improve athlete development and expand opportunities for young Nigerians.
According to him, the institutions should provide professional training in coaching, sports science, sports medicine, sports management, officiating and other specialised areas to meet international standards.
Dambatta also urged the Federal Government to upgrade the National Institute of Sports (NIS) into a full-fledged University of Sport, saying the move would enhance research, innovation and manpower development in the sector.
“The National Institute of Sports has contributed significantly to sports development over the years, but it is time to transform it into a University of Sport with the capacity to award degrees and conduct advanced research.
“Such a university will produce highly skilled coaches, administrators, physiotherapists, nutritionists, sports scientists and other professionals needed to drive Nigeria’s sports industry,” he said.
The football coach noted that many countries had achieved remarkable sporting success by investing in specialised sports education and research institutions.
He added that Nigeria possessed enormous sporting talent but required stronger institutional support and modern training facilities to maximise its potential.
Dambatta further called on governments at all levels, private organisations and sports stakeholders to collaborate in funding sports education, sports research and infrastructure.
He expressed confidence that the proposed reforms would improve Nigeria’s international sporting performance, create employment opportunities and contribute to national development.
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