The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to grassroots sports development as it expands cooperation with Poland through sports-related initiatives.
The assurance was given at a football viewing event organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development in collaboration with the Polish Embassy in Nigeria.
The event, held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, on Wednesday in Abuja, attracted sports enthusiasts, government officials and members of the diplomatic community, who gathered to watch the international friendly match between Nigeria and Poland.
The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the match ended 2-2 in Warsaw, with Poland scoring a stoppage-time equaliser to deny Nigeria’s Super Eagles victory.
Nigeria opened scoring in the 23rd minute through Terem Moffi, who converted a cross from Moses Simon after a VAR review.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye made several crucial saves to preserve Nigeria’s lead before halftime.
Poland, however, drew level shortly after the restart through Kaylee Potulski before Nigeria regained the lead in the 77th minute when substitute Paul Onuachu converted a penalty following a handball decision.
In spite of Okoye’s impressive performance, including key saves from Robert Lewandowski and other late Polish attacks, Przemyslaw Wisniewski struck deep into stoppage time to earn Poland a 2-2 draw.
Speaking at the viewing event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeyinka Adeboye, said the collaboration reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to using sports as a tool for youth empowerment and national development.
According to him, efforts are ongoing to identify and nurture young talents across the country and provide pathways for their progression from grassroots participation to elite competition.
“We need to take talented young people off the streets and develop them into future champions. Sports remain a critical platform for national growth and youth engagement,” he said.
He added that the government was strengthening sporting activities in primary and secondary schools as part of broader grassroots development initiatives.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, said the football match and associated activities had further strengthened the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Poland.
Shaibu described sports as a powerful platform for promoting friendship, mutual respect and international cooperation, while creating opportunities for young athletes to thrive.
He noted that the partnership demonstrated how sports could be deployed to foster stronger bilateral ties and encourage youth development.
The report states that stakeholders at the event agreed that sports remain one of the most effective tools for promoting social inclusion, youth empowerment and international understanding.