Sepaktakraw federation pushes for inclusion in Nigeria’s sports activities calendar
Abdullahi Baruga, President, Nigeria Sepaktakraw Federation (NISTAF), says the federation has applied for the inclusion of Sepaktakraw in the next National Sports Festival (NSF) scheduled to hold in Enugu.
Baruga disclosed this on Saturday in Abuja while speaking to newsmen after a demonstration match of the sport at the Indoor Hall, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
“The sport currently meets the eligibility requirements for inclusion, with 29 states actively participating, above the minimum of 24 states required for a sport to qualify as a medal event at the festival,” he said.
According to him, the federation has also written to the organisers of the Nigerian University Games (NUGA), Nigerian Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) and the Federation of Public Service Games, requesting that Sepaktakraw be featured in their competitions.
Baruga outlined NISTAF’s development plans for 2026, which include organising a Super Series League in Adamawa by June.
He said other plans include a national exhibition involving as many states as possible and the establishment of a state-based National League to be named after a distinguished Nigerian.
The federation, he added, also intends to promote the sport at the grassroots level through school sports programmes, particularly in secondary schools and police schools.
Baruga identified funding and partnerships as the major challenges facing the federation, noting that most of the development efforts so far had been self-funded.
“Funding remains the biggest challenge.
“Without partnerships and financial support, it is difficult to execute our plans at the desired pace,” he said.
He explained that sepaktakraw features male, female and mixed categories, with up to seven medal events at championships, although only selected formats were showcased during the demonstration.
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Baruga said discussions were ongoing with the National Lottery Trust Fund and other stakeholders to secure support for the development of the sport.
He appealed to the Nigeria Olympic Committee and other stakeholders for support, stressing that sepaktakraw has the potential to create employment opportunities and produce athletes capable of excelling at international competitions.
“This is not about an individual but about the future of Nigerian sports and the opportunities this game can create for the country,” he said.
The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that sepaktakraw is a fast-paced Southeast Asian sport that combines elements of volleyball and football.
It is played with a rattan ball over a net, with players using only their feet, knees, chest and head.
