National Sports Commission – ‘A Protest Against Accredited Mendacity’
On October 23, 2025, the National Sports Commission (NSC) finds itself at the center of controversy as renowned sports commentator Isiguzo raises alarm over the legitimacy of its existence. This report dissects the implications of his protest that seeks to challenge an organization rooted in legal ambiguity.
The Illegitimacy of the NSC
The establishment of the National Sports Commission has triggered significant debate within Nigeria’s sports community. In a thought-provoking piece, Isiguzo points to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s actions to create an NSC without requisite legislative backing, a move deemed illegal by many stakeholders. This has raised questions about governance and accountability in a sector that is already grappling with ethical challenges.
Legally speaking, a framework for the NSC is missing. “A lawless organization has been granted access to federal funds approved for the Federal Ministry of Sports,” Isiguzo argues, emphasizing the risk of public funds being misappropriated. Such a condition jeopardizes not just sports management in Nigeria but also undermines the credibility of institutions that are meant to oversee the sector.
Lessons from the Past
This discontent is not new; the NSC appears to be cruising along a path paved by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which has been operating illegally for two decades. Despite a 2010 court ruling that recognized the Nigeria Football Association as the only legal entity to manage football, the NFF continues to enjoy operational freedoms, further entrenching illegality in Nigeria’s sports governance.
Isiguzo stresses the need for legislative clarity to prevent further erosion of public trust. “An organization called the NFF has been illegally running Nigeria’s football for 20 years,” he explains, citing a history of illicit governance as a cautionary tale. The parallel drawn with the NSC demonstrates a troubling trend where illegality can be normalized within sports administration.
The Path Forward
To restore credibility, immediate legislative action is essential. “The National Assembly has the responsibility for making laws, not the NSC or any appointed officials,” Isiguzo argues. Stakeholders must advocate for statutory reforms that legitimize sports institutions, securing transparency and ethical practices for future governance.
In conclusion, as the NSC garners attention, it finds itself at a crossroads. Isiguzo’s protest against “accredited mendacity” serves as a clarion call: the illegitimate structures of today’s sports management must give way to legally sound frameworks to foster growth and accountability. Stakeholders should engage actively to address these crucial issues, ensuring that Nigeria’s sports future is not only bright but also legitimate and ethical.
