Nigerians have rejected move by the NSC to host Formula 1
Some sports fans on social media have questioned Nigeria’s bid to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix, considering the nature of roads in the country.
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, announced that Nigeria have submitted a bid to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
In a statement released by the NSC on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, it was noted that they are in talks with authorities to host one of the Formula 1 Grand Prix editions in the country to promote themselves and elevate the sport in Africa.
It was indicated that, as one of the largest countries on the continent, they want to use the event to boost their tourist attractions and improve infrastructure to bolster their economic fortunes.
In reaction to the news, some Nigerians on social media have questioned the idea of their leaders bidding for such a prestigious event without undertaking a proper assessment of their roads and infrastructure.
Most of them were pessimistic about the bid being successful due to the poor nature of roads in the country, even in their capital, Abuja, which requires a major overhaul.
Others resorted to ridiculing the move, deeming it unfeasible, and urged their leaders to focus on other urgent matters in the sporting sector rather than investing time in bidding to host the motorsport event.
Meanwhile, the move is said to be part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s aim to reset, refocus, and relaunch the sector to open the way for foreign investment,
increase exports, and boost Gross Domestic Product contribution.
Read some of the reactions below:
Nigeria wants to host a Formula 1 ke😂
With those potholes? One lap and the cars will need spiritual alignment, not wheel alignment! Pit stops will be for tire changes and trauma counseling. Even the F1 drivers will be like, abeg na rally we dey do?
— Daniel Ajimacks (@DAjimacks) July 23, 2025
lol joke country 🤣
— 24’𝔰 𝔲𝔭 (@Ibrahimskrr) July 23, 2025
This interest should be focused on football
We don’t even have good roads to start— Wallop Club World Cup champion 🏆 💙 (@Wallop30BG) July 23, 2025
Nigeria has not started with drag racing but wants to host Formula 1? Tinubu and grandstanding
— Enugu 1st Son (@IfeanyiDeclan) July 23, 2025
Not by interest, we don’t have the capacity
— J_Ay (@kng_jason) July 23, 2025
With which road?
Abi na the 5 roads and 3 overhead bridges wen wike do Dey deceive them? 😂😂😂— Ibrahim Dawud (@Dawud_oz) July 23, 2025
— Joshua Olusegun 🇬🇧🇨🇦 (@Leged45) July 24, 2025
Rubbish. It is not happening
— britzly (@Bravodude4) July 24, 2025
SB/VPO
Meanwhile, watch as football fans question FIFA’s move to scrap penalty rebound rule