Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) have urged sports journalists to give female athletes greater visibility, warning that limited and stereotyped coverage can undermine recognition of women’s contributions to sports.

NOC President Habu Gumel made the call on Monday at a seminar organised by the NOC Women’s Commission for sports journalists in Abuja.

Gumel said the media played an important role in shaping public perceptions of women in sports and could help encourage more girls to participate by reporting their achievements more consistently.

He urged journalists to look beyond competition results and tell stories about female athletes, coaches, administrators and other women contributing to sports development.

According to him, balanced coverage can also help women gain recognition and create opportunities for greater participation and leadership across the sector.

The seminar focused on the influence of sports reporting on public attitudes towards women and the need for more inclusive coverage.
Gumel commended the Women’s Commission for its leadership programmes for female coaches, administrators, managers and technical officials across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones since 2023.

He said the initiative had helped build capacity, provide mentorship and encourage women to take up greater responsibilities within the Olympic movement.

The call comes amid wider efforts to improve the visibility of women’s sports in Nigeria. More consistent coverage would give audiences a better picture of female athletes’ performances and challenges while helping younger girls see more pathways into competitive sport.