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The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has taken a significant step toward revitalising grassroots sports development with the inauguration of the Olympafrica Centre and the groundbreaking of an integrated Olympic City project.
NOC President, Habu Ahmed Gumel, described the initiative as a transformative milestone for Nigerian sports, noting that the project is designed to drive talent discovery while integrating residential living within a modern sporting environment.
At the heart of the development is the Olympafrica Centre, a facility aimed at nurturing young athletes and strengthening Nigeria’s sports talent pipeline. According to Alassane Thierno Diack, Chairman and CEO of the Olympafrica Foundation, the centre will provide a structured platform for identifying and developing grassroots talent across communities.
The foundation, which collaborates with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), uses sports as a tool for youth empowerment and community transformation across Africa. The initiative is also expected to prepare young athletes to represent Nigeria at global competitions, including the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships.
Former Nigerian international and NOC Third Vice President, Olumide Oyedeji, who chaired the project’s implementation, described the development as the first of its kind in the country. He added that the concept promotes a “Live-Train-Play” lifestyle, combining residential comfort with access to top-tier training facilities.
Situated on a 6.7-hectare expanse, the project is divided into two zones, with 40 percent allocated to sports infrastructure and 60 percent dedicated to residential development. The design aims to create a cohesive community where athletes, coaches, and support personnel can thrive in a balanced environment.
The Olympafrica Centre features a range of upgraded facilities tailored to both indoor and outdoor sports. Outdoor amenities include a renovated cultural centre, a multi-purpose court, a covered spectators’ pavilion, and ongoing work on a standard football pitch alongside an eight-lane athletics track.
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Indoor facilities comprise dedicated halls for combat and strength sports such as karate, taekwondo, wrestling, and weightlifting, as well as courts for basketball, volleyball, and tennis.
The project also addresses longstanding funding and environmental challenges that had delayed development on the land since its allocation by the Lagos State Government in 1990. Through a build-and-sell residential model, the NOC aims to attract private investment and generate sustainable revenue for the maintenance of the sports complex.
Gumel emphasised that the facility will serve as a hub for youth engagement and empowerment, providing a secure environment for productive activities. Additional infrastructure, including security outposts and water supply systems, is expected to benefit residents of the Amuwo Odofin community.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, who was represented by Barrister Musa Ahmadu, commended the NOC for revitalising a 35-year-old underutilised land asset.
Former Athletics Federation of Nigeria President, Dan Ngerem, also lauded the committee’s ability to retain ownership of the land over the decades.
The residential component of the project is being handled by Ampharco Real Estate, led by Joseph Chime, and Numero Homes, managed by Omowunmi Olalere. Speaking on behalf of the partners, Olalere assured that the project is scheduled for completion within 24 months.
The initiative marks a bold step in repositioning Nigeria’s sports ecosystem through infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and sustainable investment.
