When Nigerians think of sport, football, basketball and athletics dominate the conversation. These mainstream pursuits bask in the limelight of global arenas, while lesser-known sports, quietly flourishing, offer significant untapped economic and social potential. Africa, no stranger to sporting excellence, has repeatedly showcased its talents on the world stage. Nigeria could expand this legacy by investing in disciplines beyond the usual trio, inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Many of these sports already feature in the Olympics, guaranteeing them international recognition, while others are carving out lucrative niches locally and globally. From precision to power, each presents not only unique challenges but also considerable financial rewards.
Archery
Rooted in ancient warfare, archery today tests precision and mental acuity. Players aim arrows at targets up to 70 metres away, scoring higher the closer they land to the bull’s-eye. Competitions range from individual events to team challenges, blending focus with strategy.
Globally, archery has a place at the Olympics, World Archery Championships and African Games. Nigeria, through Archery Nigeria and other international partnerships, is striving to make its mark. The sport’s growth is evident in Lagos and Abuja, where training ranges are emerging, while traditional archery thrives in northern cultural festivals.
Financially, archery offers significant potential. Professional tournaments promise hefty rewards, and sponsorship deals with equipment brands provide a steady income stream for top athletes.
Martial Arts
Taekwondo, judo and karate are staples of Nigeria’s martial arts scene, fostering discipline and international competitiveness. The country’s rich history of indigenous wrestling complements these global traditions, setting the stage for growth. Investments in training and infrastructure could position Nigerian fighters as strong contenders in the Olympics and World Championships.
Badminton
This fast-paced racket sport demands agility and precision. Players aim to outwit opponents by landing shuttlecocks unpredictably. Popular in Asia and Europe, badminton is gaining traction in Nigeria’s urban centres, with clubs and tournaments emerging.
The sport is lucrative for professionals, offering prize money and sponsorships from major brands. Compact courts and simple equipment make badminton accessible, a key factor in its growing popularity.
Climbing and biking
Recently added to the Olympics, rock climbing showcases strength and agility. Competitive formats include speed climbing and bouldering. Similarly, mountain biking is an exhilarating test of endurance and technical skill, traversing rugged terrains and steep inclines.
Nigeria’s natural landscapes—forests, hills and plains—are a playground for these sports. Events like Lagos Cycling have begun tapping this potential. With strategic investment, these activities could boost local tourism while nurturing talent.
Skateboarding
Youth-driven and dynamic, skateboarding debuted in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Performances combine stunts, style and technical execution. Nigeria’s nascent skateboarding culture thrives in cities like Lagos, where public spaces double as practice grounds. Globally, athletes like Nyjah Huston have parlayed their skills into multimillion-dollar ventures, a model for aspirants.
Surfing
Surfing, another Olympic newcomer, blends sport with lifestyle. Riders navigate ocean waves with a mix of timing, balance and creativity. Though equipment requirements are minimal, Nigeria’s untapped coastal potential could make surfing a viable sporting and tourism venture.
Track and field
Weightlifting, javelin, discus and shot put—disciplines often overshadowed by sprints—are staples of global athletics. Nigeria boasts the raw talent to excel in these fields, with modest investment yielding outsized rewards.
Rugby
Physical and strategic, rugby demands endurance and teamwork. Though still niche, it offers Nigeria an opportunity to broaden its sporting repertoire. Structured leagues and developmental pathways could nurture local talent and position the nation on the global stage.
A game-changing opportunity
Investing in these lesser-known sports could do more than diversify Nigeria’s medal tally. It could create jobs, foster inclusivity and burnish the country’s global reputation. By providing alternatives to mainstream pursuits, these disciplines give a wider pool of talent the chance to shine.
Nigeria’s next generation of sporting heroes may not emerge from football pitches or running tracks but from archery ranges, badminton courts and mountain trails. The potential is vast, and the time to harness it is now.
The content explores Nigeria's potential in developing lesser-known sports beyond football, basketball, and athletics, which dominate its sports culture. It highlights sports like archery, martial arts, badminton, climbing, biking, skateboarding, surfing, track and field, and rugby. Archery, with its roots in ancient warfare, is gaining popularity in varying contexts such as the Olympics and traditional festivals, promising financial rewards through sponsorships. Martial arts and indigenous wrestling offer a platform for global competitiveness, while badminton's accessibility aids its rising popularity. Climbing and biking leverage Nigeria's natural landscapes for tourism and talent development opportunities.
The emergence of skateboarding and surfing, both recently included in the Olympics, indicates Nigeria's potential to innovate within these youth-driven and lifestyle-integrated activities. Additionally, traditional track and field events like weightlifting and javelin, alongside rugby, offer avenues for Nigeria to diversify its athletics contributions and global presence. The strategic investment in these sports can create jobs, foster inclusivity, and elevate Nigeria’s international reputation, providing alternative career paths for athletes. Through cultivating these sports, Nigeria could unearth the next generation of sporting heroes from diverse arenas beyond the mainstream sports.
