From Fields to Finance: The Untapped Potential of Sports in Nigeria’s Green Economy

Katheleen Chimeziem  Izunwanne; Joseph Nwabueze  Amaefule; Astor Idris  Abuh

Katheleen Chimeziem Izunwanne Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria
Joseph Nwabueze Amaefule Department of Economics, McPherson University, Seriki- Sotayo, Abeokuta, Nigeria
Astor Idris Abuh Department of Business Administration, McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Keywords: economic development, environmental sustainability, green economy, sports infrastructure

Abstract

The Nigerian sports industry has significant yet underused potential to help transition the country to a green economy. While sports are well known for boosting physical health, social cohesion, and youth empowerment, their role in fostering sustainable economic growth and protecting the environment is less explored. This study looked at the hidden opportunities within Nigeria’s sports sector to promote green economic development, focusing on the shift “from fields to finance.” Specifically, it examined how sports development intersects with green economy initiatives and addressed the gap in understanding how sports can drive environmental and economic sustainability. A quantitative survey was used, involving 350 sports stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, administrators, and policymakers, chosen through stratified random sampling. Data were gathered with a validated questionnaire that had a reliability coefficient above .70, ensuring internal consistency. The study was guided by two research questions, and data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics, like mean, standard deviation, and multiple linear regression, at the .05 significance level. Results showed a moderate level of awareness of green economy ideas among sports stakeholders (grand mean = 3.40; SD = .241). They also revealed a significant relationship between sports development and green economy progress, indicating that the sports sector can play an important role in encouraging sustainable practices and economic change. The study recommends that government agencies and relevant stakeholders run targeted awareness campaigns and educational programmes to bring sustainability and green economy principles into Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.