Baseball is a multi-billion Dollars spinning sport - Odozor

Baseball is a multi-billion Dollars spinning sport - Odozor

Today we have as our guest in the Sun Sports Lounge, a young man totally committed towards ensuring a lesser followed sport, Baseball and Softball gains more attraction and patronage in Nigeria.

As President of Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association, UCHE ODOZOR, is confident that NBSA would make a first appearance at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic games.

In this interview with AKEEM BUSARI, he further revealed some of the lofty plans of NBSA to grow the game in view of its social and educational values to family lives. Enjoy the interview..

Please introduce yourself to our esteemed readers.

My name is Uche Odozor, a Nigerian businessman based in Abuja. I am happily married and blessed with three wonderful daughters.

Baseball is a unique sport on its own. Tell us about your involvement in this game.

Indeed, baseball is a distinctive sport that requires critical thinking and strong situational awareness. My journey in baseball started in 1990 in Lagos, where I played as a pitcher for the Great Stallions. I later played for the Abuja Warriors and the Randburg Mets in Johannesburg, South Africa. Additionally, I represented Nigeria in various youth competitions. I am the founder of the Diplomatic Dodgers Baseball and Softball Club in Abuja and currently serve as the National President of the sport. It is an honour to hold this position, and I am committed to its growth and development.

Growing up, what sport(s) took your fancy?

I spent my early years in my village, Umuoma Amucha, where my exposure to sports was limited to street soccer. This continued at Saint Augustine’s Grammar School in Nkwerre.

However, my journey took an unexpected turn when a Cuban coach named Sandalo, spotted me on a soccer pitch in Lagos and introduced me to baseball. I tried it and instantly became hooked.

Now, let’s get personal. Tell us about your academic and family background. Also, what else do you do outside baseball?

I am a devoted husband and father of three wonderful children. I attended Saint Augustine’s Grammar School in Nkwerre, Imo State, before proceeding to the University of Ilorin, where I studied Economics.

Professionally, I have worked in financial institutions such as Old Mutual, Standard Bank, and Nedbank in South Africa. Presently, I run businesses in aviation, agribusiness, exclusive duty-free retail, and travel retail.

What would you describe as the achievements of the board of the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association?

The board has made significant progress since its inception, thanks to the efforts of past leaders like Professor Ndii Okere, General Ishola Williams (Rtd), Colonel Ichide and Dr. William Boyd. These pioneers were instrumental in reintroducing baseball in Nigeria in the 1990s after its exit in 1967.  The game has since been nurtured and has grown, leading to the establishment of world-class baseball facilities at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium and in Kwara State. Nigeria has also participated in international competitions and won laurels. Our focus now is to elevate the sport further and expand its reach.

What are some of the challenges you currently face in making this sport gain more public acceptance and patronage?

Despite challenges, we remain undeterred. We are tackling them strategically, one step at a time. Fortunately, we have the support of the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, who has engaged with us and provided the necessary attention to help us navigate obstacles. A major milestone is the official handover of the national baseball park to the NBSA for use, which has garnered excitement within the global baseball community. Additionally, we are working toward gaining full recognition as a federation to unlock more development opportunities, aligning with the National Executive Council’s vision for inclusive sports growth.

What makes baseball unique?

Baseball enhances critical thinking and naturally sharpens intelligence. It plays a vital role in the early development of children, keeping them away from social vices such as drugs, gangsterism, and banditry.

The sport has also been instrumental in reducing the number of out-of-school children and has proven to be beneficial even for children with disabilities. Additionally, baseball improves academic performance due to its strong connection with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) principles.

What are the plans to popularise the sport in Nigeria, particularly among the youth?

Baseball is a family-friendly sport, and we are focusing on reintroducing it as a family bonding activity. Our approach involves making game days fun and engaging for all age groups. Additionally, we are leveraging traditional and social media to promote the sport, and our campaign is yielding positive results.

Our primary target is schools, and this strategy is proving to be effective.

Let’s digress a bit, sir. Obviously, you’re a very busy person. How do you relax?

Despite my busy schedule, I find time to unwind by spending quality time with my daughters, watching baseball games, and reading.

What’s your dress code? Local or foreign? Simple or loud? Formal or informal?

I prefer to keep it simple, often opting for shorts. I avoid heavy dressing because it’s both expensive and time-consuming.

We have Mallam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade at the helm of affairs at the National Sports Commission as Chairman and Director-General, respectively. What are your hopes for Nigerian sports, particularly baseball?

The NBSA executive board is thrilled about the appointments of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, given their impressive track records. We have aligned our objectives with their master plan, which is in line with the President’s vision to transform the sports sector into a profitable industry. The global baseball community shares this enthusiasm, and we are confident that under their leadership, sports in Nigeria will experience exponential growth.

Today, sports is a multi-billion-dollar industry. What should Nigeria do to enjoy financial and infrastructural gains from the industry?

The level of investment in sports determines the returns. Baseball is one of the leading sports in terms of global sign-on fees.

For instance, a South Sudanese player was recently signed for $40 million, and last year, a record-breaking $764 million contract was signed. Beyond these figures, sustained commitment and a structured development plan are essential for the growth of the sport in Nigeria.

Do you support the argument that the government should leave sports to professionals and technocrats?

While sports is a business best handled by professionals, government involvement is still crucial. Government policies and strategic planning provide the framework needed for the private sector to thrive in the industry.

What are your favourite colours? 

Black.

Which other sports do you enjoy and follow with keen interest? A: Formula 1.

What are your favourite local and international foods?

I’m not much of a foodie, but I enjoy Nigerian jollof rice, especially when prepared by Chef Joe.

If you’re going on a journey to the desert, what three items would you take with you?

I would rather fly over the desert. I’m not keen on that kind of adventure!

In the next five years, where do you see baseball in Nigeria?

We are fully committed to leaving the sport in a far better state than we met it. Our mandate runs for four years, and in over three decades, we have, for the first time, been granted access to a world-class facility at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, and thanks to the Chairman of the National Sports Commission.  Baseball and softball are now receiving the recognition and support they deserve. We have already begun implementing strategic plans, and one of our key objectives is to qualify for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.