https://en.sputniknews.africa/20260123/sports-in-africa-hinges-on-unity-in-diversity-and-capacity-expert-says-1082749618.html
Sports in Africa Hinges on 'Unity in Diversity and Capacity,' Expert Says
Sports in Africa Hinges on 'Unity in Diversity and Capacity,' Expert Says
Sputnik Africa
Experts contend that the Global North's dominance in medals and trophies at global sporting events can be challenged if Africa can address systemic structural... 23.01.2026, Sputnik Africa
2026-01-23T15:57+0100
2026-01-23T15:57+0100
2026-01-23T15:57+0100
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Sports in Africa Hinges on 'Unity in Diversity and Capacity,' Expert Says
Sputnik Africa
Experts contend that the Global North's dominance in medals and trophies at global sporting events can be challenged if Africa can address systemic structural issues and implements sweeping reforms to elevate sustainable sports development.
Despite being constrained by deep structural challenges, sports development—especially football—in Africa is beginning to undergo positive changes. Efforts to address these weaknesses are crucial not only to enhance the continent's ability to produce world-class athletes and teams but also to protect sports from political manipulation.African Currents turned to Nigerian sports administrator and historian, author, statistician, and a respected voice in the global sports community Ejikeme Ikwunze, aka Mr. Football, to dissect the challenges hindering sports and talent development in Africa, and solutions, as well as the politicization of international athletic federations.Want to hear more from our guest? Catch the full conversation on the African Currents podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.Find our episodes not just on the website, but also on Telegram.► You can also stream our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, Pocket Casts, Afripods, Podcast Addict.► Check out all the episodes of African Currents.
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Sports in Africa Hinges on 'Unity in Diversity and Capacity,' Expert Says
Experts contend that the Global North's dominance in medals and trophies at global sporting events can be challenged if Africa can address systemic structural issues and implements sweeping reforms to elevate sustainable sports development.
Despite being constrained by deep structural challenges, sports development—especially football—in Africa is beginning to undergo positive changes. Efforts to address these weaknesses are crucial not only to enhance the continent's ability to produce world-class athletes and teams but also to protect sports from political manipulation.
African Currents turned to Nigerian sports administrator and historian, author, statistician, and a respected voice in the global sports community Ejikeme Ikwunze, aka Mr. Football, to dissect the challenges hindering sports and talent development in Africa, and solutions, as well as the politicization of international athletic federations.
"Sports is your physical strength, your cognitive domain, and your psychology. It means a lot. So if any of them is lacking, there will be a loophole somewhere along the line. When you provide all these accessories, or what may be called ingredients, the difference will be clear [...]. Since we know that football has become an export commodity, we should promote the exportation of our players. It's important," Ikwunze said.
Want to hear more from our guest? Catch the full conversation on the African Currents podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
Find our episodes not just on the website, but also on
Telegram.► Check out all the episodes of African Currents. 
