By Victor Kanayo
Nigerian authorities have confirmed that the country is bidding to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The Chairman of National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, who confirmed the latest development to Heritage Times HT in Abuja, Thursday, said efforts are on to use sports as a major economic driver as it obtains globally.
Should it happen, Nigeria will potentially become the first African country in over 30 years to bring the premier motorsport event back to the continent.
Dikko then described the initiative as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s growing ambitions on the global sports stage.
According to Dikko, Opus Race Promotions has been selected as the official representative leading Nigeria’s bid.
The company is co-headed by former Premier League footballer Marvin Sordell and is already in talks with Formula 1 and the sport’s governing body, the FIA.
He said, “We are exploring all possibilities to bring Formula 1 to Nigeria as soon as practicable — not just as a sporting event, but as a catalytic driver of tourism, infrastructure development, youth engagement, and economic growth.”
Recently, Nigeria has stepped up hosting of international events.
Few days ago, Nigeria, the most populous nation staged African Athletics Championship in Abeokuta, Ogun State, among others.
