The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has pledged the Commission’s full support for Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi’s grassroots football development initiative, the Kwara Kiddies League.

Dikko made the commitment when he received Awoniyi on a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The Super Eagles striker was accompanied by former Nigerian international and ex-Bundesliga star Anthony Ujah.

During the visit, Awoniyi presented the NSC Chairman with an official Nottingham Forest jersey and shared details of his vision to expand opportunities for young football talents through the Kwara Kiddies League and other youth-focused sports development projects.

The NSC Chairman commended Awoniyi for investing in grassroots sports and nurturing the next generation of Nigerian athletes. He assured the striker of the Commission’s readiness to provide the necessary support and enabling environment to ensure the success of the initiative.

According to Dikko, partnerships between successful athletes and sports administrators are essential to discovering and developing future champions, particularly at the grassroots level where talent identification begins.

The discussions also focused on the progress of Nigerian football, athlete development, and strategies for creating sustainable pathways for young talents to excel in sports.

Awoniyi expressed his commitment to giving back to society through sports and empowering young people with opportunities to develop their talents and pursue their dreams.

The meeting forms part of the National Sports Commission’s ongoing engagement with Nigerian athletes competing at the highest levels around the world, as the Commission continues to strengthen collaborations aimed at advancing sports development across the country.