Newly appointed West Africa Sports Ambassador Samson Siasia has described his latest role as a “significant challenge” that will spur him and his team toward achieving greater milestones in regional sports development.
In his first public statement following the appointment announced by the West African Sports Federation on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, the former Super Eagles coach and technical director expressed deep gratitude and determination to bring fresh energy, unity and results to sports across the sub-region.
Siasia stated: “This appointment is both an honour and a serious responsibility. West African sports has enormous potential from football to athletics, basketball, boxing and emerging disciplines but we have been held back by fragmentation, inadequate funding, poor infrastructure and lack of coordinated leadership. I see this role as a significant challenge, but one that will push me and my team to deliver greater milestones for our young athletes and the entire region.”
The former international forward, who led Nigeria to silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and has extensive experience coaching at youth, club and national levels, promised a renewed focus on: Talent identification and development across the 16 ECOWAS member states, Cross-border competitions and exchange programmes, Advocacy for increased sports funding and better facilities, Stronger anti-doping education and compliance, Women and youth empowerment initiatives in sports and Partnerships with private sector and international bodies to boost sponsorship and exposure.
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Siasia emphasised that his leadership will be built on transparency, inclusivity and results: “I am not coming with empty promises. We will work with federations, governments, private partners and athletes themselves. West Africa deserves to compete at the highest global level and with unity, discipline and strategic investment, we will get there.”
The appointment has been widely welcomed across the sub-region, with many seeing Siasia’s track record, passion and international connections as assets that could help elevate West African sports on the continental and global stage.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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