The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer…

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shuaibu, has advised athletes to prepare for life after retirement, warning that many former sportsmen and women struggle financially only a few years after ending their active careers.

Key Highlights

• NIS DG Philip Shuaibu has urged athletes to prepare financially and professionally for life after retirement.
• Shuaibu warned that many retired athletes struggle financially just a few years after leaving active sports.
• He spoke at the opening of the 2026 Abuja All Stars International Veterans Football Tournament at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
• The tournament attracted 22 teams and brought former footballers together for competition, fitness and networking.
• The National Institute for Sports (NIS) is developing a programme to help athletes transition into post-retirement careers.

He gave the advice while participating in the opening of the 2026 Abuja All Stars International Veterans Football Tournament at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday.

The tournament, which attracted 22 teams, provides an opportunity for former footballers to return to competitive action, reconnect with old teammates and promote fitness among retired athletes.

Shuaibu said the National Institute for Sports is developing a programme designed to help athletes prepare for careers beyond active sports.

According to him, athletes should not wait until they retire before thinking about what they would do next.

“We are creating a product, preparing them for retirement. Those that are still active need to start preparing now because the money that they get now, most of them do not plan for retirement,” he said.

He said the programme would provide opportunities for athletes interested in becoming coaches, sports administrators, managers and scouts after their playing careers.

Shuaibu said the initiative was necessary because of the difficulties experienced by some former athletes after retirement.

“After two or three years of their retirement, they are broke and begging for help. So, we are creating a product, preparing them for retirement, and those that have already retired, we want to know how we can bring them in,” he said.

He also called for the revival and strengthening of the players’ union to provide better support and welfare for both active and retired footballers.

Beyond retirement planning, Shuaibu stressed the importance of maintaining physical fitness after leaving active competition.

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He said his personal commitment to exercise had helped him remain fit enough to participate in the veterans’ tournament.

The NIS boss described the veterans’ tournament as more than a football competition, saying it provided an avenue for former players to reconnect with old teammates and strengthen relationships.

He recalled meeting former teammates from his playing days, including one with whom he played for Fenway FC in 1991 and another who was his teammate at the NUGA Games in Kano.

Shuaibu also used the occasion to speak on the role of sports in promoting patriotism and national unity, stating that the passion displayed by Nigerian athletes representing the country at international competitions was a sign that Nigerian sports was gradually regaining its competitive spirit.

He expressed optimism that improved attention to athletes’ welfare would enable Nigeria to compete for top honours at major international competitions rather than settling for lower podium positions.