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The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeboye Anthony Adeyinka, has taken another step towards expanding international opportunities for young Nigerian athletes following a diplomatic engagement with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Nigeria, His Excellency Moha Ou Ali Tagma, in Abuja.
Adeboye, who paid a courtesy visit to the Moroccan embassy on Tuesday, held talks with the ambassador on strengthening bilateral cooperation in grassroots sports development, talent discovery, technical exchange and youth empowerment.
The meeting explored opportunities for both countries to leverage their sports relations to create sustainable development pathways for young athletes, coaches and sports administrators.
During the meeting, Adeboye emphasized that Nigeria’s ambition to become a stronger sporting nation requires strategic international partnerships capable of connecting grassroots talent with modern training methods, technical expertise and competitive opportunities.
“Our responsibility is not simply to discover talent, but to ensure that they have the right environment, exposure and opportunities to develop. Morocco has made significant investments in the development of sport and there are valuable areas in which both countries can collaborate for the benefit of our youth,” Adeboye said.
The presidential assistant noted that sports diplomacy has become an important instrument to strengthen international relations and at the same time create opportunities for economic growth, cultural exchange and youth development.
He explained that collaboration between Nigeria and Morocco could open doors for coaching education, technical assistance, youth competitions, institutional partnerships and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
“We want partnerships that go beyond discussions and into practical programs. When young athletes, coaches and administrators have opportunities to learn, compete and exchange ideas internationally, the benefits ultimately return to our communities and the national sports system,” he added.
Adeboye also highlighted the importance of creating structured pathways through which talented young Nigerians, particularly those emerging from schools, academies and community competitions, can access development opportunities without being limited by their background.
The visit comes as the Office of the Senior Special Assistant continues preparations for the National Grassroots Sports Development Summit 2026, scheduled for November 18-19 at the Presidential Villa Banquet Hall, Abuja.
The Summit, whose theme is “Creating a new path for sustainable development of grassroots sport”, is expected to provide a platform to strengthen national and international partnerships towards a more sustainable sports development framework.
Adeboye expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Tagma for the warm reception and constructive discussions, describing the engagement as an encouraging basis to explore mutually beneficial cooperation.
“Nigeria and Morocco share a passion for sports and a strong belief in the potential of young people. We must translate that shared interest into opportunities that can positively impact the next generation,” he said.
The Presidential Assistant reaffirmed his Office’s commitment to pursuing partnerships that strengthen grassroots participation, enhance talent development and position young Nigerians for greater sporting opportunities at the international level.
