Rabat, Morocco — January 19, 2026 — The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, led high-level strategic discussions in Morocco on the sidelines of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The meetings aimed to reposition Nigerian football as a platform for job creation, unity and national development.
The talks took place in Rabat while Nigeria’s national football team competed in AFCON 2025. Beyond supporting the team, the sessions brought together government officials, sports administrators and technical experts to design a new blueprint for the sport’s future.
The discussions focused on how Nigeria can harness football to promote unity, create jobs for youths and build sustainable sports infrastructure across the country.
Strategic ParticThe strategic engagement was facilitated by Mr Silas Ali Agara, Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE). Representatives from political leadership and global football diplomacy joined the session.
Professor Yilwatda is expected to provide political leadership and policy direction for the plan. Mr Agara is to lead implementation with a focus on translating strategy into employment and skills development opportunities for young Nigerians.
Also involved in the framework design was Esebamen Clement, a policy and technology expert, who is to help create a data-driven, implementable plan for advancing sports development.
The strategic discussions sought to learn from Morocco’s sports development model, which combines long-term planning, coherent policy and sustained investment in football success and infrastructure. These lessons were considered for adaptation to Nigeria’s context.
The blueprint emphasises areas beyond match performance. It includes:
Stadium construction and maintenance jobs
Facility management roles
Coaching and sports administration positions
Technology and allied sector opportunities
These sectors are seen as capable of absorbing many young Nigerians into meaningful work.
A key outcome was the emphasis on collaboration with state governments through the Progressive Governors Forum. Governors are expected to champion sports infrastructure development and grassroots talent cultivation in their states.
Youth employment: Nigerian football could become a source of jobs beyond the pitch.
National unity: Structured sports development may strengthen social cohesion.
Infrastructure growth: Investment at state and national levels can boost facilities and training opportunities.
Professor Yilwatda is set to lead efforts to turn the blueprint into action in collaboration with the NDE and other stakeholders. Further consultations with governments, private sector partners and football bodies are expected as the initiative moves toward implementation.
