Pinnick backs South-West Games to enhance sports devt

Former president of the Nigeria Football (NFF) and FIFA Council Member, Amaju Pinnick, has described the South-West Games 2025 as one of the events Nigeria needs to resuscitate its fortunes in sports. He described the championship as a groundbreaking platform for sports development, youth empowerment, and economic growth in Nigeria.

The South-West Games, which will hold in Lagos, will also feature the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games (BAT-SWAG) as its key sub-tournament. Pinnick, in an endorsement letter addressed to Practagali Limited, the organisers of the Games, said the initiative could be a catalyst for a new era of athletic excellence in Nigeria’s southwestern region.

“With great enthusiasm and a firm belief in the power of sports, I proudly extend my wholehearted endorsement of the South West Games 2025, including its key sub-tournament, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu South West Alliance Games.

With a vision that extends beyond mere competition, Pinnick emphasized the transformational impact of the games on the six Southwestern states—Ekiti, Lagos, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, and Oyo—where the tournament will unearth and groom the next generation of elite athletes.

“This initiative is a game-changer for sports development, talent discovery, and youth empowerment across the six Southwestern states,” he noted.

“More than just a competition, these games will serve as a breeding ground for the next generation of elite athletes while fostering unity, discipline, and national pride.” The former NFF boss underscored the significance of Lagos as the host city, describing it as both a strategic and symbolic choice.

“As the epicentre of Nigerian sports, Lagos boasts world-class infrastructure, a rich sporting heritage, and an unmatched passion for athletics. Its dynamic energy and cosmopolitan spirit make it the ideal stage to usher in a new era of sporting excellence in the region,” Pinnick affirmed.

More than just a sporting event, Pinnick highlighted the economic and career opportunities that the games would unlock for young athletes and stakeholders in the sports ecosystem. “Beyond the thrill of competition, the South West Games 2025 will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, career opportunities, and youth engagement. This is not just a tournament—it is the foundation of a lasting legacy,” he enthused.