Nigeria to Become Headquarters of Baseball and Softball in Africa – Official

Posted : 01 November 2025

The President of the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Federation (NBSF), Uche Odozor, has revealed that plans are underway to position Nigeria as the headquarters of baseball and softball in Africa.

Speaking in Abuja, Odozor said the country is fully prepared to take the lead in advancing the development of the sports across the continent.

Odozor, who also serves as the President of the World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC) Africa, explained that Nigeria’s new continental role presents a unique opportunity to expand the reach of baseball, softball, and the fast-rising variant known as Baseball5.

He described Africa as an emerging hub for baseball talent, noting that the continent has become a key source of resilient and high-quality athletes for Major League Baseball (MLB).

“Africa has become the strongest and most fertile ground for the development and supply of Major League Baseball players.
What you find on the continent are quality players — resilient, tough, and fast,” Odozor said.

However, he acknowledged that poor leadership and lack of structure had slowed the full development of baseball across Africa in the past.

Highlighting the sport’s global appeal, Odozor noted that baseballers are among the highest-earning athletes in world sports, citing the example of Shohei Ohtani, who signed a record $760 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and another MLB player who earned over $513 million after transferring from the New York Giants to the Toronto Blue Jays.

“Baseball is fashionable, it’s a lifestyle, and it’s a global phenomenon,” he said.

According to him, regions such as Arabia and Asia are already investing heavily in baseball, adding that Africa has the potential to build a sustainable sports economy through similar initiatives.

Odozor also revealed that Nigeria’s leadership position in WBSC Africa will include promoting Baseball5, a fast-paced, accessible version of the sport that can be played virtually anywhere.

“It’s a culture that inspires values and represents a social lifestyle. This new role for Nigeria means we can now establish the African headquarters of baseball and softball here,” he said.

He identified the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja and the Ilorin Baseball Facility in Kwara State as world-class venues capable of hosting continental operations.

Odozor expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, and Director-General Bukola Olopade for their support in securing Nigeria’s leadership position within WBSC Africa.

“It wasn’t an easy contest, but we won. We are now steering the leadership of baseball and softball in Africa,” he said.

The NBSF president further announced that the federation’s next major milestone would be the introduction of baseball and softball at the 27th Nigeria University Games (NUGA), scheduled for November 6–16, 2025, at the University of Jos, Plateau State.

The NUGA Games will feature several sports, including rugby, tennis, athletics, basketball, chess, handball, judo, taekwondo, swimming, football, boxing, and e-sports.

Odozor was elected as President of WBSC Africa during the Congress held in Bangkok, Thailand, in October 2025.

Nigeria to Become Headquarters of Baseball and Softball in Africa – Official

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