By Tayo Ogunseye
The President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Olabisi Temitope Joseph, has made history after being elected as the International School Sport Federation (ISF) Continental President for Africa.
Joseph secured the landmark position during the 2026 ISF General Assembly held on Tuesday, July 21, in Belgrade, Serbia, where delegates from 82 countries gathered to shape the future of global school sports. A total of 79 votes were cast during the election.
Her emergence marks a major milestone for both Nigeria and the African continent, as she becomes the first woman from Africa—and the first female in the history of the International School Sport Federation—to be elected to the prestigious continental office.
The election is being celebrated as a significant recognition of Nigeria’s growing influence in the development of school sports across Africa and the international community. It also underscores the country’s increasing role in promoting youth participation, education through sports, and international collaboration.
In a statement released by the Nigeria School Sport Federation, the achievement was described as a proud moment for the federation and Nigerian students.
“The Nigeria School Sport Federation is proud to announce that the President of NSSF, Mrs. Olabisi Temitope Joseph, has been elected as the International School Sport Federation (ISF) Continental President for Africa,” the statement read.
The federation noted that the historic victory reflects Mrs. Joseph’s commitment to advancing school sports and is expected to strengthen Africa’s voice within the global school sports movement.
The NSSF leadership, state coordinators, management, staff, and the Nigerian student community congratulated Mrs. Joseph on her election and pledged their full support as she assumes her new continental responsibilities.
“We celebrate this milestone and pledge our full support as she takes on this continental responsibility to advance school sports for African children,” the federation stated.
The statement, signed by NSSF Secretary General, Dr. Oba Funsho Usman, expressed confidence that Joseph would deliver a successful and impactful tenure, further promoting school sports development across the continent.
