The National Sports Commission (NSC), on Friday, officially approved and recognised the Association of Retired Nigerian Sportsmen and Women (RENISA) as the umbrella body responsible for coordinating the affairs and interests of retired Nigerian athletes.

Recalled that RENISA was established in 2019, seeks to promote the welfare, unity, physical well-being and continued engagement of retired Nigerian sportsmen and women who have served the country with distinction at national and international levels.

The approval was conveyed in a letter dated October 8, 2026, with reference number NSC/FEAD/COA/2025/CON/II and titled “Approval and Recognition of the Association of Retired Nigerian Sportsmen and Women.”

The letter, signed by Kabir Yusuf on behalf of the NSC Director-General, Honourable Bukola Olopade, and addressed to the association’s president, said that RENISA had been officially approved and recognised by the commission.

The association also aims to use sports as a tool for healthy living, social inclusion and mentorship, while preserving Nigeria’s rich sporting heritage.

According to the letter, “The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially approved and granted recognition to the Association of Retired Nigerian Sportsmen and women.

“Accordingly, the Association is recognised as the umbrella body responsible for coordinating the affairs and interests of retired Nigerian Sportsmen and women. It shall serve as the statutory platform for preserving, documenting, and promoting wealth of experience, knowledge and contributions of retired athletes, while fostering the transfer of their expertise and passion to future generations.

“The affairs and operations of the Association shall be conducted in a democratic manner and governed by its constitution, relevant legislation and the directives of its duly elected executive officers, in alignment with the policies, guidelines and regulations of the National Sports Commission.”

Reacting to the development, RENISA President and former Nigerian athlete, Sunday Adeleye, thanked the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General, Bukola Olopade for the recognition saying their interests in the well-being and welfare of Nigerian athletes cannot be overemphasised.

He added that the recognition by the NSC will further strengthen the Association while assuring that the welfare of retired athletes remain its priority. He also revealed that the Association is putting everything in place to host its maiden Sports Fiesta in Abuja from September 17 to 26, 2027.

He said, “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 taking the welfare of Nigerian athletes very important and it has shown clearly in medals and podium finish by our athletes in regional and international competitions.

“At RENISA, we will continue to prioritise the welfare of retired sports men and women who have made this country proud and will be working with the NSC to achieve this. I also want to say that plans are on to host our maiden Sports Fiesta from September 17 to 26, 2027, in Abuja and it will be featuring 17 sporting events.”