The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening grassroots sports development while deepening sports cooperation with Poland through a series of collaborative initiatives.
The pledge was made during a football viewing event organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development in partnership with the Polish Embassy in Nigeria.
The event took place on Wednesday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja and drew sports enthusiasts, government officials and members of the diplomatic community, who gathered to watch the international friendly between Nigeria and Poland.
The match ended 2-2 in Warsaw after Poland scored a late equaliser in stoppage time.
Nigeria took the lead in the 23rd minute when Terem Moffi converted a cross from Moses Simon after a VAR review. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye produced several important saves to maintain the advantage before the break.
Poland levelled shortly after the restart through Kaylee Potulski, but Nigeria restored its lead in the 77th minute when substitute Paul Onuachu converted a penalty awarded for handball.
Despite Okoye’s impressive display, including crucial saves against Robert Lewandowski and other late Polish attacks, Przemyslaw Wisniewski struck deep into added time to secure a draw for the hosts.
Speaking at the viewing event, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeyinka Adeboye, said the collaboration highlighted the government’s determination to use sports as a vehicle for youth empowerment and national progress.
He explained that ongoing efforts are focused on identifying and nurturing young talents across the country and creating pathways 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.
Adeboye added that the government is also expanding sporting activities in primary and secondary schools as part of broader grassroots development programmes.
Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, said the match and related activities had further strengthened the cordial relationship between Nigeria and Poland.
He described sports as a powerful platform for promoting friendship, mutual respect and international cooperation, while creating opportunities for young athletes to thrive.
Shaibu noted that the partnership demonstrated how sports could be used to deepen bilateral ties and encourage youth development.
Participants at the event agreed that sports remain one of the most effective tools for advancing social inclusion, empowering young people and fostering international understanding.
The gathering concluded with calls for sustained investment in grassroots programmes and continued collaboration between both countries to expand opportunities for young athletes.