NSF Reaffirms Olympic Ambition, Resolves Internal Disputes
By Joel Ajayi
President of the Nigeria Shooting Federation (NSF), Navy Captain Bamidele Olatunji Ayoade, has reaffirmed the Federation’s renewed focus on ensuring Nigeria’s participation in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday shortly after a crucial board meeting, Ayoade described the gathering as the most productive since he assumed office. The meeting, he said, was instrumental in repositioning the Federation and resolving lingering internal issues.
“This has been the best meeting since I came on board,” he said. “We opened up, had honest conversations, and resolved to move forward with a unified vision—qualifying for the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. That is now our primary goal.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s absence at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Ayoade attributed the setback to funding challenges and logistical hurdles, particularly issues surrounding the transportation of firearms for competition.
“There were unfortunate incidents in Dubai that prevented our athletes from competing with their equipment,” he explained. “We’ve learned from these setbacks and are putting measures in place to ensure they do not happen again.”
The NSF President noted that the Federation has adopted new strategies and is receiving increasing support from the National Sports Commission. These efforts, he said, are aimed at preparing athletes through proper training, international exposure, and participation in ranking events.
Ayoade also called on the public to disregard negative narratives circulating on social media, emphasizing that the Federation is now more united than ever.
“All our differences have been resolved. We are one family, and our collective dream is to see the Nigerian flag flown in Los Angeles. That’s our goal, and we are determined to achieve it.”
Confirming his intention to seek a second term, Ayoade announced that the Federation’s election has been scheduled for September 22, 2025.
He noted that the decision is part of ongoing efforts to stabilize the NSF’s leadership and maintain its current momentum.
