The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially recognised the Association of Retired Nigerian Sportsmen and Women (RENISA) as the umbrella body responsible for coordinating the affairs and protecting the interests of retired Nigerian athletes.
The recognition, conveyed in a letter dated 8 October 2026 and signed by Kabir Yusuf on behalf of the NSC Director-General, Bukola Olopade, is expected to strengthen efforts to promote the welfare of former athletes and preserve their contributions to Nigerian sports.
In the letter, with reference number NSC/FEAD/COA/2025/CON/II and titled Approval and Recognition of the Association of Retired Nigerian Sportsmen and Women, the Commission outlined RENISA’s responsibilities as the recognised body for retired sportsmen and women in the country.
The letter stated that the association would serve as a platform for preserving, documenting and promoting the experience, knowledge and contributions of retired athletes, while facilitating the transfer of their expertise to younger generations.
It added that RENISA’s operations must be conducted democratically and in accordance with its constitution, relevant legislation and directives from its duly elected executive officers, in line with the NSC’s policies and regulations.
Established in 2019, RENISA seeks to promote the welfare, unity and physical well-being of retired Nigerian athletes, while encouraging their continued involvement in sports development.
The association also aims to use sports to promote healthy living, social inclusion, mentorship and the preservation of Nigeria’s sporting heritage.
Reacting to the recognition, RENISA President and former Nigerian athlete, Sunday Adeleye, thanked the NSC Chairman, Shehu Dikko, and Olopade for the decision.
Adeleye said the Commission’s commitment to athletes’ welfare was evident in its support for Nigerian sports and the performances of the country’s athletes at regional and international competitions.
“I want to thank the leadership of the NSC under its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director-General, Bukola Olopade, for this very important recognition.
“Since their assumption of office, they have taken the welfare of Nigerian athletes very seriously, and this has shown clearly in medals and podium finishes by our athletes in regional and international competitions,” he said.
He described the recognition as an important step towards strengthening RENISA’s operations and improving its capacity to address the needs of retired athletes.
Adeleye assured that the welfare of former sportsmen and women would remain the association’s priority, adding that RENISA would work with the NSC to improve their well-being and sustain their contributions to sports development.
He also disclosed that preparations were under way for the association’s maiden Sports Fiesta, scheduled to hold in Abuja from 17 to 26 September 2027.
According to him, the event will feature 17 sporting events and provide an opportunity for retired athletes to remain physically active, reconnect with former colleagues and contribute to the development of sports in the country.
“At RENISA, we will continue to prioritise the welfare of retired sportsmen and women who have made this country proud, and we will be working with the NSC to achieve this,” Adeleye said.
The recognition establishes a formal platform for retired Nigerian athletes to engage with the sports authorities on issues affecting their welfare, while creating opportunities for them to share their experience and knowledge with the next generation of sportsmen and women.