The President of the Nigeria Sepaktakraw Federation (NISTAF), Abdullahi Baruga says the federation has applied for the inclusion of Sepaktakraw in the next National Sports Festival Games scheduled to hold in Enugu State .
In a chat with pressmen in Abuja on Saturday, Baruga disclosed further that the sport currently meets the eligibility requirement for inclusion.
“ With 29 participating states, exceeding the minimum 24 states required for a sport to qualify as a medal event at the festival.
“ The federation had also written to organisers of the Nigerian University Games (NUGA), Nigerian Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) and the Federation of Public Service Games to feature the sport in their competitions,” he said.
Baruga outlined the federation’s development plans for 2026, including the organisation of a Super Series League in Adamawa by June.
“ A national exhibition involving as many states as possible and the establishment of a state-based National League to be named after a distinguished Nigerian.
“ Also plans are underway to promote Sepaktakraw at the grassroots level through school sports, particularly in secondary schools and police schools,” he said.
The NISTAF president identified funding and partnerships as the major challenges facing the federation, noting that much of the sport’s developmental activities had so far been self-funded.
“Funding remains the biggest challenge. Without partnerships and financial support, it is difficult to execute our plans at the desired pace,” he said.
Baruga explained that Sepaktakraw features male, female and mixed categories, offering up to seven medal events at championships, although only selected formats were showcased during the demonstration.
He said discussions are ongoing with the National Lottery Trust Fund and other stakeholders to secure support for the sport’s development.
Baruga appealed to the Nigeria Olympic Committee and other stakeholders to support the federation.He stressed that Sepaktakraw had the potential to create employment opportunities and produce athletes who would make Nigeria proud at the international level.
“This is not about an individual, but about the future of Nigerian sports and the opportunities this game can create for the country,” he said.
