By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has announced that the Commission has made provisions in its 2026 budget to support retired Nigerian athletes facing financial and medical challenges.
Dikko disclosed this 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 commended the formation of RENISA, describing it as a timely and commendable initiative aimed at addressing the welfare needs of retired athletes across the country.
According to Dikko, the association has the potential to fill critical gaps in the post-career 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 major boost for retired athletes, Dikko revealed that the NSC's 2026 budget contains a dedicated provision to assist former Nigerian internationals who may be battling health issues 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 stated. "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."
The NSC boss also renewed his call for the establishment of a specialised pension scheme for retired athletes, arguing that sports professionals have significantly shorter career spans compared to workers in other sectors.
He stressed the need for retirement structures tailored to the realities of sporting careers, noting that many athletes retire after just 10 to 15 years of active competition.
"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 said.
Dikko further advised RENISA to concentrate on programmes that empower athletes beyond competition, including skills acquisition, career development and welfare initiatives. He cautioned the association against involvement in sports politics and administration, insisting that its greatest value lies in supporting athletes' transition into life after sports.
Earlier, Adeleye explained that RENISA was established to complement the efforts of the NSC in improving the welfare of retired athletes, many of whom face economic and health-related challenges after leaving active competition.
He noted that several former athletes struggle with medical expenses and family responsibilities, making it imperative for retired sports men and women to unite and support one another.
"We have come together to support ourselves and find ways to improve the welfare and wellbeing of retired athletes," Adeleye said.
The development is expected to be welcomed across the Nigerian sporting community, as stakeholders continue to advocate improved welfare packages and sustainable post-retirement support systems for athletes who have represented the nation with distinction on the international stage.
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