Former national judo champion Segun Gbayi has unveiled an ambitious plan to revitalise Nigerian judo, pledging sweeping reforms aimed at restoring the sport’s international relevance and nurturing a new generation of elite athletes.
In an exclusive interview with Athletic NG and Prime Sports Radio, the 2009 National Sports Festival gold medallist voiced concern over judo’s decline in Nigeria and laid out a detailed roadmap to address its underlying challenges — including inadequate infrastructure, poor funding, and limited international exposure.
Central to Gbayi’s agenda is the establishment of a dedicated National Judo Dojo, the mobilisation of private sector sponsorships, and the implementation of a structured six-month high-performance training programme tailored to develop Olympic-standard athletes.
“Judo is a developmental sport. You don’t build Olympians overnight,” Gbayi explained. “Just like building a house, you start with a solid foundation — from elementary to intermediate and then senior levels. That’s the only way we can return Nigerian judo to the Olympic stage.”
He criticised the short training camps offered to athletes ahead of international competitions, describing them as insufficient and counterproductive.
“You can’t expect meaningful results when athletes only camp for a week. We need at least six months of consistent, structured training — where they can return home but remain rooted in camp life. That’s how to prepare for Olympic-level competition,” he added.
Nigeria has not produced an Olympic judoka in more than a decade, a situation that Gbayi believes is symptomatic of broader systemic neglect.
Despite retiring from active competition, Gbayi has remained deeply engaged in judo. As a former Athletes’ Representative on the board of the Nigerian Judo Federation (NJF), he played a pivotal role in championing athlete welfare, improving training standards, and increasing international opportunities.
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Through his foundation, established in 2015, he has continued to support grassroots judo development — particularly in his native Ogun State.
“I promised each gold medallist an instant cash award of ₦300,000,” he said. “That’s why they’re putting in the effort. We’re doing everything possible to ensure Ogun State remains a force in Nigerian judo.”
Gbayi also emphasised the need for strategic partnerships to fund the sport’s revival.
“Sponsorship is critical. But timing is everything,” he noted. “If you don’t understand the timing of the world, you’ll miss your moment. Thankfully, the lead sponsor (Premium Trust Bank) of this year’s National Sports Festival is my classmate. His company is ready to support us — including the construction of a National Dojo once I win the election.”
His ambitions, however, extend beyond athlete development. Gbayi envisions Nigeria as a future host for continental judo championships.
“We currently lack the equipment and facilities to invite other African countries to compete here. That’s why it’s never happened. But it’s on our agenda to host African championships in Nigeria. The National Dojo will be a symbol of honour for Nigerian judokas and a game-changer for the sport.”
Raising the Standard for Referees and Coaches and Honouring the Legends
Gbayi also called attention to the underdevelopment of referees and technical officials, attributing their knowledge gaps to financial constraints.
“Our referees aren’t up to date because they can’t afford to travel abroad for training,” he explained. “But that’s not rocket science. Bring the instructors here. Speak to the African Judo Union —they’ll send trainers. Fly two people in and organise nationwide seminars. That way, referees and coaches benefit without incurring travel costs.”
No revival, Gbayi argues, would be complete without acknowledging the trailblazers of Nigerian judo — former Olympians, African Games gold medalists, and national champions.
“We’ve already begun recognising them,” he revealed. “Those banners you see in the hall? That’s for them. It’s never happened before in Nigerian judo. Many have called to thank me. These are the people who made this sport beautiful before us — and we’re bringing them back to play an active role in rebuilding the NJF. The green must flourish again.”
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One of his foundation’s most notable initiatives was a collaboration with the Lagos State Government to train and empower coaches and referees, focusing on international best practices and technical development.
“If we’re serious about competing globally, we must invest in the technical backbone of the sport — our coaches and referees,” Gbayi stated.
As the Nigerian Judo Federation prepares for new elections, Segun Gbayi’s track record of advocacy, grassroots support, and long-term planning positions him as a reformist candidate with a compelling vision for the sport’s future.
