Follow Us on Google
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has disclosed that the Commission has made provisions in its 2026 budget to support retired Nigerian athletes facing financial and medical difficulties.
Dikko made the announcement on Wednesday while receiving members of the Association of Retired Nigerian Sports Men and Women (RENISA) at the NSC headquarters in Abuja. The delegation was led by the association’s president, Sunday Adeleye.
The NSC chairman described the formation of RENISA as a timely and commendable initiative designed to address the welfare needs of retired athletes across the country.
According to him, the association can play a vital role in bridging gaps in the lives of former sportsmen and women by promoting unity, welfare and social support among its members.
“This is a noble initiative that has the potential to address some of the gaps affecting retired sports men and women,” Dikko said. “The priority should be unity, welfare and the wellbeing of retired athletes. The focus must remain on creating systems that support them and improve their quality of life.”
In a significant development, Dikko revealed that the NSC’s 2026 budget includes a dedicated provision for retired national athletes who may be battling health challenges or financial hardship after their sporting careers.
“It is unfortunate to see former national athletes who once proudly represented the country struggling with medical bills and basic living expenses,” he said. “While every athlete should prepare for life after sport, there are situations where intervention becomes necessary, and we are committed to supporting those in extreme circumstances.”
Other News
The NSC chairman also reiterated his call for the creation of a specialised pension scheme for retired athletes, stressing that sports professionals often have much shorter career spans than workers in other sectors.
“Sports men and women often have careers that last 10 to 15 years, unlike civil servants who may work for 35 to 40 years.
There is a need to develop retirement support mechanisms that cater specifically to athletes,” he stated.
Dikko further urged RENISA to focus on programmes that empower athletes beyond their competitive years, including skills acquisition, career development and welfare initiatives. He advised the association to steer clear of sports politics and administration, maintaining that its core mandate should be supporting athletes’ transition into life after active competition.
Earlier, Adeleye explained that RENISA was established to complement the efforts of the NSC in improving the welfare of retired athletes, many of whom continue to face economic and health-related challenges after retirement.
“We have come together to support ourselves and find ways to improve the welfare and wellbeing of retired athletes,” Adeleye said.
The move is expected to be welcomed by stakeholders across the Nigerian sporting community, who have consistently advocated improved welfare packages and sustainable post-retirement support systems for athletes who have represented the nation with distinction on the international stage.
