Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, yesterday insisted that Federal Government will support only sports federations with medal capacity to any international competition.
Abdullahi, who made this disclosure at the inauguration of the 2nd batch of National Sports Federation in Abuja, said the era of jamboree was gone.
"We have switched from the era of mere participation to era of greater participation and inclusion," he said, amidst applause.
The newly elected sports federations are Nigeria Aquatics federation, Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), Nigeria Cycling Federation, Nigeria Golf Federation, Nigeria Hockey Federation, Nigeria Kick-boxing Federation, Nigeria Rowing and Yachting Federation KungFu Federation, Nigeria Rugby Federation, Nigeria Scrabble Federation and Nigeria Shooting Federation.
"As a further step towards the full democratization of our sports, all federations are enjoined to encourage their associations to imbibe the culture of constituting their boards through democratic process as the practice of selecting people for sports association is against the norm of international sports federation.
The minister reminded the newly elected members that their election to the federations was a call to national service.
"I charge you to work as a team together," he counseled.
Director-General of the NSC, Gbenga Elegbeleye, who also attended the ceremony, said time had come for Nigerian sports to reclaim its lost glory.
"We must collectively give support and make necessary contributions that will positively transform our sports," he said.