The Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has promised to make Nigeria a major global sports hub if elected president in the 2027 general elections.
Sowore made the promise on Saturday in Enugu while participating in the 2026 Enugu City International Marathon, where he called for greater investment in sports infrastructure and the development of young athletes across the country.
He said Nigeria has enough talent and human resources to compete successfully in different sporting disciplines, arguing that the country’s population and natural abilities should translate into stronger performances on the international stage.
Sowore, who participated in the 10-kilometre race for the second time, said sports could promote healthy living, youth engagement, community development and cultural exchange, while also creating significant economic opportunities.
He described sports as part of the “orange economy”, saying a properly developed sports industry could generate substantial revenue for Nigeria and reduce the country’s dependence on oil.
The AAC candidate cited Brazil and Kenya as examples of countries that have benefited from investing in sports, particularly football and long-distance running.
He questioned why Nigeria, with its large population and abundance of athletic talent, has not been able to compete more strongly in international competitions.
"We are supposed to be at the World Cup, If I'm president of Nigeria, we are not missing any World Cup for my eight years". He said.
Sowore also criticised the administration of sports in Nigeria, particularly football, saying poor management and inadequate support have prevented the country from fully developing its sporting potential.
He stressed that Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was unacceptable, promising that his administration would prioritise football development and ensure the country consistently qualifies for future tournaments.
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