Abuja: The President of the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Federation (NBSF), Uche Odozor, has announced strategic plans to establish Nigeria as the central hub for baseball and softball in Africa. Odozor emphasized the country’s readiness to spearhead the development of these sports across the continent.
According to Voice of Nigeria, Odozor, who also holds the position of President of the World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC) Africa, highlighted Nigeria’s new role as an opportunity to enhance the profile of baseball, softball, and the emerging sport Baseball5 in Africa. He noted that Africa is increasingly recognized as a source of talented athletes for Major League Baseball (MLB).
Odozor pointed out that Africa’s potential in baseball is vast, describing the continent as a fertile ground that produces athletes who are highly regarded for their resilience and speed. However, he acknowledged that inadequate leadership has previously impeded the sport’s growth across Africa.
Odozor cited examples of high earnings in baseball, such as Shohei Ohtani’s record $760 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers and another player’s $513 million earnings from a move to the Toronto Blue Jays. He stated that regions like Arabia and Asia are already investing in baseball, and Africa has the potential to develop a robust economy around it.
He explained that Nigeria’s leadership in WBSC Africa involves promoting Baseball5, a rapidly growing variant of the sport. Odozor mentioned that Nigeria could become the headquarters for baseball and softball in Africa, with facilities like the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja and the Ilorin Baseball Facility in Kwara serving as world-class centres.
Odozor expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko, and Director-General Bukola Olopade for their support in achieving Nigeria’s leadership role. He outlined the federation’s plans to introduce baseball and softball at the upcoming 27th Nigeria University Games (NUGA) from November 6 to 16 at the University of Jos in Plateau.
The event will feature various sports, including rugby, tennis, table tennis, athletics, badminton, basketball, chess, cricket, handball, judo, taekwondo, and more. The announcement follows the Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC) Africa Congress held in Bangkok, Thailand, in October.