Research that moves decisions.

Nigeria Sports Industry Outlook 2026.

With over 70% of Nigeria’s population under the age of 35, sports is one of the country’s most powerful and underleveraged economic opportunities, even after its recognition as a business sector of the Nigerian economy in 2020. The Nigeria Sports Industry Outlook 2026, the first report of its kind, is a strategic intelligence report and reference for investors, policymakers, business leaders and practitioners looking for where capital, partnerships and innovation can unlock sustainable returns across the sports value chain.

The Outlook examines five pillars that shape how sports is organised, funded, commercialised, regulated and consumed: governance, policy and regulations; sporting events; partnerships and investments; licensing, IP and merchandising; and sports infrastructure. Stakeholders across these sectors review the moments that defined 2025, from the signing of the anti-doping bill to the Sports Africa Investment Summit and the Super Falcons’ WAFCON campaign, and set out the shifts they expect in 2026.

Their consensus is that success will be measured beyond medals: in stronger systems, credible administration, private-sector confidence and how well the industry converts ambition into structure, and structure into long-term value.