…Targets 2028 Olympics
Joel Ajayi
As the world celebrates World Baseball Day, stakeholders in Nigeria’s baseball and softball community have reaffirmed their commitment to reviving and developing the sport across the country starting from the grassroots.
The event, held weekend in Abuja which featured participation from students across Federal Capital Territory and players from Kaduna state.Speaking at a commemorative event, Uche Paulinus Odozor, President of Baseball and Softball Federation and a sports physician, emphasized the importance of catching them young.
“Baseball is not just a game—it is about shaping lives, instilling discipline, and teaching scientific principles like aerodynamics, mathematics, and physics through sport.”He highlighted the unique educational value of baseball, stating that its foundation is rooted in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). According to him, early exposure helps children grasp complex concepts while building character and physical fitness.
“That is why our primary focus is taking baseball back to where it belongs: the schools, the children, and the families,” he explained He stressed that Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million, has the potential to become a major player in the global baseball scene.
“This is a billion-dollar global industry. We can’t afford to trivialize it. We are going back to the basics—and we are making remarkable progress,” he added.On the issue of infrastructure, Odozor revealed that the official baseball park—constructed in 2003—had deteriorated over time. However, thanks to renewed interest and support from the National Sports Commission, renovation efforts have begun.
“We’re appealing to both government and private sector stakeholders to help us restore the park to world-class standards. Baseball requires precision—from field layout to equipment—and we’re committed to achieving that,” he said.
When asked about the challenges facing the sport, Odozor noted that baseball remains underrepresented in Nigeria’s mainstream sports discussions, but they are determined to change that narrative.
“We’re not just aiming for top 10 recognition—we want to make baseball Nigeria’s number one sport,” he declared.Odozor expressed appreciation to the Governor of Kaduna State, local commissioners, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration for their support and enthusiasm for the sport.
The event concluded with friendly matches involving 10 invited schools—a manageable number, according to organizers, as they plan for much larger participation in future editions.In his own, Ambrose Ozimede, Secretary General of Baseball and Softball said that Nigeria, is committed to taking the game to every region—from the north to the south and across the west.He revealed that Nigerian youth teams are actively participating in the international baseball scene.
“This year, we will be sending three teams to compete in the Babe Ruth World Series across the U-12, U-14, and U-16/18 categories. We also plan to include football in the near future, possibly as early as next year,” he added.
He encouraged state governments and local communities to join the movement, noting the growing interest among young athletes and the significant opportunities the sport offers.
Highlighting the role of leadership in advancing the sport, Ozimede praised the efforts of the current President of the Nigerian Baseball and Softball Federation, Mr. Uche Paulinus Odozor. “In just a few months under his leadership, we’ve seen more progress and visibility than in the last six years.
