A foremost sports stakeholder, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, has called for technocrats to be appointed to lead Nigeria’s sports sector.

She argued that professional expertise, rather than political appointments, is essential if the country hopes to revive its declining sports fortunes.

Atoyebi, who recently won a sports role model award in Denmark, shared her views during the maiden edition of the Big Sports Dialogue 0.1, held on Monday, 24 November, at Villa Doom in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The event brought together sports administrators, industry stakeholders, and media practitioners to examine the challenges affecting the nation’s sporting performance.

Speaking as a panelist, Atoyebi identified the lack of technocratic leadership and the poor state of infrastructure as the sector’s biggest problems.

She noted that meaningful reform would only take shape if these issues were addressed with urgency.

She said she had repeatedly stressed the need for appointing professionals who understand the sector’s demands.

According to her, technocrats would be equipped to develop realistic blueprints, implement them effectively, and remain accountable, which she described as a crucial factor for progress.

Atoyebi also called for decisive action on infrastructure, stating that no meaningful transformation can take place without well-maintained facilities.

She added that other countries have made progress by investing in modern infrastructure that supports athlete development.

The media executive expressed disappointment over the persistent neglect of women’s sports in Nigeria, even though female athletes have delivered more international honours than their male counterparts.

She called for a shift in attitude, adding that Nigerian women’s achievements should translate into stronger institutional support and greater visibility.

Reflecting on the dialogue, Atoyebi praised the organisers for initiating a platform that encourages honest discussion.

She expressed optimism that by the time the next edition is held, there would be tangible signs that many of the recommendations have started to take effect.