President Bola Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has expressed optimism about stronger sporting ties between Nigeria and Morocco, saying the partnership could create fresh opportunities for young Nigerian athletes.
Adeboye spoke following his recent visit to the Moroccan Embassy in Abuja, where he held discussions with Morocco’s Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Moha Ou Ali Tagma, as preparations continue for the National Grassroots Sports Development Summit scheduled for November 18 and 19, 2026.
In a statement by the Chairperson of the Summit’s Media and Publicity Committee, Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Ajayi, the presidential aide, who also visited Morocco during the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to support Nigeria’s Flamingos, said the country’s investment in sports infrastructure, talent development and international collaboration offered useful lessons for Nigeria.
He disclosed that discussions were ongoing to explore areas of cooperation, with senior Moroccan sports officials, including the country’s sports minister, expected to participate in further engagements.
Adeboye said the proposed partnership would focus on practical benefits such as talent identification, coaching exchanges, sports infrastructure, youth competitions and international exposure for young Nigerian athletes.
He stressed that the objective was to establish partnerships that would benefit talented boys and girls across the country’s 774 local government areas, rather than limiting international engagements to diplomatic visits.
The forthcoming summit, with the theme, “Creating a New Pathway for Sustainable Grassroots Sports Development,” will hold at the Banquet Hall, State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
It is expected to attract government representatives, sports administrators, development partners, private-sector stakeholders and other industry players to deliberate on sustainable strategies for grassroots sports development.
According to Adeboye, the summit will focus on five key pillars: Participation, Talent Development, Infrastructure, Sports Economy and International Pathways.
He said the November 18–19 gathering would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to develop practical solutions and partnerships capable of strengthening grassroots sports across the country.
Adeboye reaffirmed his commitment to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of creating opportunities for Nigerian youths through sports and called on stakeholders to support the summit.
