Adeboye Eyes Stronger Nigeria, Morocco Partnership as Nov. 18 Countdown Continues
GRASSROOTS SPORTS SUMMIT
As preparations intensify for the National Grassroots Sports Development Summit scheduled for November 18–19, 2026, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has expressed optimism that Nigeria’s growing sporting relationship with Morocco will open new opportunities for grassroots athletes and strengthen international cooperation.
Adeboye, who recently visited the Moroccan Embassy in Abuja for discussions with the Moroccan Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Moha Ou Ali Tagma, said the engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to build strategic partnerships capable of transforming grassroots sports development in Nigeria.
The Presidential aide, who also travelled to Morocco during the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to support Nigeria’s Flamingos, described the North African country’s sporting environment as an important example of how sustained investment, infrastructure development and international collaboration can contribute to sporting excellence.
According to him, discussions surrounding potential cooperation between Nigeria and Morocco are encouraging, with high-ranking Moroccan sports officials, including the country’s sports minister and other key stakeholders, among those expected to feature in further engagements.
“Our recent meeting with the Moroccan Ambassador to Nigeria was very productive, and my visit to Morocco has further strengthened my belief in what we can achieve through international sporting partnerships. We are looking forward to engagements involving top Moroccan sports officials, including the sports minister, as we explore opportunities that will benefit young Nigerian athletes,” Adeboye stated.
He explained that the forthcoming summit, themed “Creating a New Pathway for Sustainable Grassroots Sports Development,” will provide a platform for translating such relationships into practical opportunities in talent identification, coaching exchanges, sports infrastructure, youth competitions and international exposure.
“We do not want international relationships that end with courtesy visits and photographs. Our focus is on partnerships that will create real opportunities for talented boys and girls across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas,” he added.
Adeboye emphasised that the summit, taking place at the Banquet Hall, State House, Presidential Villa, Abuja, will bring together government representatives, sports administrators, development partners, private-sector stakeholders and other key players to chart a sustainable pathway for grassroots sports.
He noted that the summit’s five pillars — Participation, Talent Development, Infrastructure, Sports Economy and International Pathways — reflect the administration’s determination to establish a more inclusive and economically viable sporting system.
“November 18 and 19 are important dates for the future of Nigerian sports. We are bringing stakeholders together not merely to discuss challenges, but to develop practical solutions and establish partnerships that can produce lasting results,” Adeboye said.
The SSA reaffirmed his commitment to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of creating greater opportunities for Nigerian youths through sports, while urging stakeholders to support the summit and its objectives.