Grassroots sports initiative, Q & N Sports Development, has raised concerns about Nigeria’s limited representation in athletics at the Olympic Games, saying a country of Nigeria’s size and population should be able to field a strong presence in global track and field competitions.

Founder of Q & N Sports Development, Adewale Adegbite, however, said that with discipline, respect and structure, the situation could be transformed in the future.

Adegbite spoke while launching a grassroots programme aimed at training secondary school students in sports.

The competition, dubbed Waves of Champions, focuses on identifying promising young athletes from Remo-land, particularly in track and field, and helping them reach their full potential through structured training and mentorship.

He noted that the turnout for the first edition of the competition, which was held last November, exceeded expectations, adding: “By the end of this year’s event, we aim to officially identify and establish our first set of ‘Waves of Champions’ athletes.”

Adegbite explained that Waves of Champions was created to address gaps in grassroots talent discovery, particularly among underprivileged and underserved youth.

He said: “When you look at the current situation, many young people don’t even realise the talents they have because of their environment. I strongly believe this initiative will make a difference. If successful, it will reduce the number of young people roaming the streets without direction. By identifying their talents and guiding them, we can help them not just in sports, but academically and in life. They will learn discipline, respect, and structure.”

He further emphasised that his long-term goal is to identify athletes, train them rigorously with qualified coaches, and prepare them to compete at high levels both within Nigeria and internationally.

Adegbite also announced that the competition, which will feature a football tournament for local clubs, had over 50 schools participating in the track and field segment.

He said that for the football tournament, cash prizes of N1,000,000 will be distributed among the first three winners, while track and field winners will also receive financial rewards.

To expand its reach and visibility, the organiser said the initiative is collaborating with a local political figure, Soyoye Akinyode Welfare Initiative, SAWI, which is expected to support publicity efforts and community engagement.

Meanwhile, Olufisola Ige-Lahanmi said: “We were able to identify these students by going to different schools with our letters. We shared our vision with the school management and they directed us to their sports teachers. They indicated prospective students that have the talents we are looking out for. So, we brought them together and had the first tournament. We noticed that for those who are not there yet, more training will get them there.”