The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has promised that Nigeria will not miss any FIFA World Cup during his eight-year tenure if he is elected president.
Sowore made the statement on Saturday in Enugu while participating in the 2026 Enugu City International Marathon. He took part in the 10-kilometre race for the second time.
He said his administration would make Nigeria a major global sports hub. Stating that the country would develop other sporting disciplines to compete successfully at the international level.
Sowore said he returned to the Enugu event because he was impressed with 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.
He described road races as important for promoting healthy living, community development and youth engagement. He urged every state in Nigeria to organise road races.
Sowore clarified that a 10-kilometre race was not a full marathon. He noted that a full marathon is 42 kilometres while a half marathon is 21 kilometres.
He said sporting events improve health, build communities and create an intersection between sports and culture.
Also, he added that sports could help Nigeria develop young people into global ambassadors while creating significant economic opportunities.
“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.
Sowore cited Brazil and Kenya as examples of countries that benefit significantly from sports, particularly football and long-distance running.
“Nigeria has 200 million people. I don’t know why we are not beating Kenya in all the long-distance races,” he said.
He promised that his administration would develop sports infrastructure and provide an enabling environment for athletes to excel in various 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.
Sowore criticised the country’s sports administration, particularly the management of football.
He said Nigeria had the talent to perform better internationally but had missed opportunities because of poor administration and inadequate support for athletes.
He described Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup as unacceptable. Stressing that his administration would ensure consistent qualification for the tournaments.
“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 said his government would prioritise competence in sports management. Noting that the country would identify and support the best talents across different sporting fields.
He added that sports development would form part of his broader plan to create jobs and generate revenue outside the oil sector. Describing the sports economy as a major opportunity that Nigeria had underutilised for years.
The AAC candidate participated in the Enugu race as part of his continued engagement with communities across the country.
He used the platform to highlight the link between sports, youth development and national progress.
Sowore said every state should invest in road races and other sporting activities to promote fitness and community participation.
He maintained that a well-organised sports sector would position Nigeria as a leading force in global competitions.