The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has strongly dismissed reports suggesting a leadership crisis within Nigerian sports and allegations of financial impropriety involving ₦4 billion.
Olopade described the claims as “shenanigans” and “shameful fabrications,” insisting that both he and NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, remain united in their mission to drive Nigerian sports forward.
In a statement shared on social media, Olopade rejected reports that he and Dikko were at odds over leadership roles at the commission.
“Shehu Dikko and I have never quarreled or fought over a position. I know the Chairman is the leader of the National Sports Commission, and I know I’m the Director General working under the Chairman — no issues,” he wrote.
Hon Bukola Olopade (M) sitting beside NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko (R). Photo Credit: NSC Media
The DG also addressed allegations of financial misconduct, particularly suggestions that billions of naira were linked to match activities.
“There was never a time we played any match with four billion naira. The ridiculousness of that story is enough for SWAN to reprimand the writer,” he said.
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Olopade confirmed that the NSC has officially reported the matter under Section 19 of Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act to the Department of State Services (DSS).
A whole lot of shenanigans have been going on. I have a brother and friend, an amazing, beautiful man who is a true leader, a man I love and respect so much, Mallam Shehu Dikko @ShehuDikko. There was never a time we played any match, with four billion naira. There was never a… pic.twitter.com/M4PPpHQ3Uf
— Bukola Olopade (@BukolaOlopadee) August 30, 2025
He criticised what he described as “quack journalism,” warning that such falsehoods harm not only sports administrators but also their families.
“We are friends with the media, and we love the media, but our children and our families are suffering from lies that have been perpetrated,” he stated.
Despite the controversy, Olopade reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to innovation and long-term development of sports in Nigeria.
“Shehu Dikko and I have our eyes on the ball. We are concentrating on innovating and working hard to bring a system that is production-oriented, not consumption-oriented. This is why we have bid for the Commonwealth Games,” he explained.
Hon Bukola Olopade during the Gateway Games 2024 (M). Photo Credit: NSC Media
The DG also dismissed reports of friction between the NSC and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), stressing that collaboration across stakeholders remains intact.
“There are no issues between us and the NFF. We are a family, and we are all focus-driven. They are part of us, we are a team,” Olopade said.
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Olopade reiterated that unity, not division, defines Nigeria’s sports leadership.
“There is no division, no rift, no quarrel. Our energy is fully invested in moving Nigerian sports forward, uniting stakeholders, and positioning our country for global excellence. Together, we remain one team, one vision, and one mission the growth of Nigerian sports,” he declared.
