Nigeria TV Info 

SEGUN ODEGBAMI: Sport in Geo-Politics at ‘The Platform’

Nigerian football legend, Segun Odegbami, has stressed the power of sports as a unifying tool in global politics during his presentation at The Platform, a national discourse event held in Lagos.

Speaking to an audience of policymakers, professionals, and young Nigerians, Odegbami highlighted how nations have historically leveraged sports not just for entertainment but also for diplomacy, peacebuilding, and national identity. He cited examples ranging from the Olympics to the FIFA World Cup, explaining how countries use such events to project influence, mend diplomatic rifts, or assert global recognition.

Odegbami emphasized Nigeria’s unique position, noting that sports could play a vital role in strengthening national unity amid diversity and also serve as a diplomatic tool in Africa and beyond.

He further called on government and private stakeholders to invest strategically in sports infrastructure, athlete development, and global collaborations, insisting that Nigeria must not only participate in sports but also harness it as a means of strengthening its voice in international affairs.

The former Green Eagles captain urged young Nigerians to see sports beyond competition, describing it as a vehicle for cultural diplomacy, economic growth, and global relevance.

The Platform, a thought-leadership program convened annually, continues to spotlight voices shaping Nigeria’s socio-political and economic narratives. This year’s edition, with Odegbami’s intervention, added a fresh perspective on the intersection of sports and geopolitics.