Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has promised to transform Nigeria into a major global sports hub if elected president in the 2027 general elections.
Sowore made the declaration on Saturday while participating in the 2026 Enugu City International Marathon, where he took part in the 10-kilometre race for the second time.
The AAC candidate said he returned to the event after being impressed by the organisation of the previous edition.
“Well, I came back because I was impressed with the first one and I have seen so far that the organisation is impressive,” he said.
Sowore argued that sporting events go beyond competition, describing road races as tools for promoting healthy living, community development, youth engagement and cultural integration.
He also noted that the sports industry represents a major economic opportunity capable of generating more revenue for Nigeria than oil if properly developed.
“Most importantly, this is how to build young people to be global ambassadors of your country. There’s a big economy out there that is known as the sports economy.
“We call it the orange economy. It’s an economic model that, if well-developed, can bring more money than oil,” he said.
The AAC candidate cited Brazil and Kenya as examples of countries that have successfully leveraged sports, particularly football and long-distance running, to create international recognition and economic opportunities.
“Nigeria has 200 million people. I don’t know why we are not beating Kenya in all the long-distance races,” he said.
Sowore also promised to invest in sports infrastructure and create an environment where Nigerian athletes can compete successfully across different sporting disciplines.
“Nigeria will become a major sports hub for the world. It doesn’t matter which sports you are doing. I’m a swimmer too, by the way.
“I come from the Niger Delta region. I don’t know why we are not winning swimming medals. We have great runners,” he said.
He criticised the administration of sports in Nigeria, particularly football, arguing that the country’s abundant sporting talent has been undermined by poor management and inadequate support.
Sowore described Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup as unacceptable and made a bold promise that the country would qualify for every edition during his proposed eight-year presidency.
“We are supposed to be at the World Cup. If I’m president of Nigeria, we are not missing any World Cup for my eight years. I’ll make sure that happens.
“This is because we get the best and the most competent and we will provide the environment for sports to thrive in this country,” he said.
Sowore further stressed that although he participated in the 10-kilometre event, it was technically not a full marathon, which covers 42 kilometres, while a half marathon is 21 kilometres.
