Nigeria’s profile in global sports governance has received a major boost following the election of Olumide Oyedeji as Secretary General of the World Olympians Association (WOA).
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has congratulated the former Nigeria international basketball star, describing his emergence as a proud moment for the country and a landmark achievement for Africa.
Oyedeji becomes the first African to hold the influential position in the history of the World Olympians Association.
The election took place at the WOA Annual General Meeting on Sunday, where Oyedeji defeated two other candidates in a keenly contested race.
He polled 55 votes, representing 51.88 per cent of the total, ahead of Salvador Salguero of El Salvador, who garnered 32 votes, and Puerto Rico’s Liston Bochette, who received 19 votes.
In its congratulatory message, the NSC said Oyedeji’s victory was well deserved and a reflection of his years of dedicated service, integrity and commitment to sports development and athlete welfare at both national and international levels.
Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, hailed the former basketball captain as a worthy ambassador of Nigeria and the Olympic movement.
“Olumide Oyedeji’s election as Secretary General of the World Olympians Association is a proud moment for Nigeria and a clear recognition of his integrity, leadership, and lifelong service to sport and athlete welfare,” Olopade said.“
“He has consistently represented our nation with distinction, both on and off the court, and we are confident he will uphold the values of the Olympic movement while flying the Nigerian flag with pride on the global stage.”
Reacting to his election, Oyedeji expressed gratitude to Nigerian sports authorities for their continued support, pledging to serve with dedication and uphold the country’s image globally.
“I use this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the DG and the Chairman of the National Sports Commission for the support they have continued to render to me and all others who strive to put our country’s name on the world sporting map,” Oyedeji said.
“I further promise to do my best to uphold the name of our country at all times.”
One of Nigeria’s most decorated basketball figures, Oyedeji captained the national team during a golden era and played a key role in the country’s rise on the continental stage.
He captained the team that won Nigeria’s first AfroBasket title in Tunisia in 2015 and claimed silver medals at the FIBA Africa Nations Cup in 1997, 1999 and 2003.
He also led Team Nigeria to its first-ever gold medal in basketball at the 2011 All Africa Games in Maputo.
Beyond his playing career, Oyedeji has remained a prominent figure in sports administration.
He currently serves as President of the Nigeria Olympians Association (NOA), 3rd Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), and Chairman of the Nigeria Athletes Commission, where he continues to champion athlete representation, development and welfare.
With his election into the WOA leadership, Oyedeji’s journey from the basketball court to the global sports boardroom stands as another milestone for Nigerian sport.
