Muhammadu Buhari’s time as President of Nigeria came to an end on May 29, 2023.
Across his two terms, Buhari’s administration made several gaffes and questionable appointments.
One of such was making Sunday Dare the Minister of Sports and Youth Development.
Dare’s last big decision before leaving office was to order the partial closure of the Lagos National Stadium.
The rotting edifice had its last major event in 2000, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Nigeria co-hosted with Ghana.
Many observers felt Dare was barely interested in the job and was prone to knee-jerk reactions.
“To be fair, Dare was an upgrade on Solomon Dalung under Jonathan. However, grassroots sports development was not a priority,” Tosin Abayomi, who is the Editor for Nigerian Sports with Pulse, tells DAILY POST.
“Football suffered. We failed on multiple occasions at the AFCON, AWCON and did not partake at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
“Basketball was a mess in the end, as FIBA disqualified D’Tigress from competing at the World Cup due to political tussles between administrators.
“The World Athletics Championships spearheaded by Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume provided some joy.
“But in general, sports during the Buhari regime was at the back burner.”
Bola Tinubu has been sworn-in as Buhari’s successor.
Already, Tinubu’s decision to finally remove fuel subsidy has seen chaos and confusion engulf the country.
Although the former Governor of Lagos state did not officially make a declaration, fuel stations across Nigeria immediately shut down amid accusations of hoarding.
It led to immediate criticisms of the new administration amid claims of poor or unclear communication from the top.
So, are we jumping from the frying pan into the fire as it concerns sports?
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu cannot do any worse in truth,” Abayomi says.
“To elevate the sector, there has to be critical investment at the grassroots level.
“Football is the joy of Nigerians. However, other sports with potential must not be neglected.
“Tinubu is a businessman and knowing the opportunity for foreign investment, Sports is a tool he must take advantage of to resuscitate an economy that is failing,” he added.
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