A Former Super Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami, has urged the Federal Government to harness the enormous economic potential of sports and transform the sector into a major contributor to Nigeria’s Orange Economy.
Odegbami made the call on Thursday, while delivering a lecture titled, “The Role of Sports as an Enabler of the Orange Economy,” to participants of Senior Executive Course 48 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, Plateau State.
He stressed that Nigeria must develop the capacity, structures and confidence to participate meaningfully in the global economy, noting that the country must “earn the right to become co-diners with the rest of the world.”
According to him, limited understanding of the economic value of sports remains a major challenge, despite the vast opportunities available within the sector.
“Sports is not just about football and competition. It is an entire ecosystem that involves ticketing, branding, insurance, sporting facilities, sportswear, player branding and the provision of goods and services,” Odegbami said.
The football legend described sports as an “untapped territory” capable of creating jobs, generating wealth and contributing significantly to economic growth if properly harnessed.
He also highlighted the potential of sports to promote national unity and integration, calling for deliberate development of the sector and infrastructure that can remain productive beyond major competitions.
Odegbami cited Kenya, Ethiopia and some Scandinavian countries as examples of places where sports and physical activity are incorporated into infrastructure planning, including road design.
He urged Nigeria to adopt a similar approach, stressing that stadia should be designed for continuous use after major sporting events rather than becoming underutilised facilities.
“We must begin to think differently about sports infrastructure. Our stadia should not be built only for major competitions and then abandoned or underutilised afterwards. They must be designed to remain productive and useful to the economy,” he said.
Drawing from his experience, Odegbami spoke about his deliberate efforts to develop sporting talent through his academy and advocated greater opportunities for female athletes.
The 74-year-old sports administrator, who noted that he still jogs and keeps fit, encouraged young Nigerians to embrace physical activity and healthy living.
“I am 74 years old and I still jog. Physical activity is important, not just for sports, but for healthy living and the quality of life,” he said.
He challenged Nigerians to move beyond merely dreaming about the possibilities in the sports sector and develop the confidence, structures and commitment required to transform those possibilities into sustainable opportunities.
The lecture formed part of activities for Senior Executive Course 48 at NIPSS, focused on leveraging Nigeria’s creative potential, talent and entrepreneurship for sustainable national development.
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