Key points
- President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Mrs Olabisi Joseph, has been elected Continental President for Africa of the International School Sport Federation (ISF).
- Joseph was elected during the 2026 ISF General Assembly in Belgrade, Serbia.
- She becomes the first African woman and the first woman in ISF history to occupy the continental leadership position.
- The NSSF described the election as a milestone for Nigeria and pledged its support for her tenure.
- Joseph has led the NSSF since becoming its first female president in 2019.
Main Story
President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Mrs Olabisi Joseph, has been elected Continental President for Africa of the International School Sport Federation (ISF) during the 2026 ISF General Assembly held in Belgrade, Serbia.
The election, which attracted delegates from 82 countries, saw 79 votes cast, with Joseph emerging victorious to assume the continental leadership role.
Her election marks a historic milestone, making her the first African woman and the first woman in the history of the ISF to be elected as Continental President for Africa.
The development is also regarded as a significant achievement for Nigeria’s growing role in the promotion and administration of school sports across the African continent.
In a statement signed by the NSSF Secretary-General, Ijeoma Olopade, the federation congratulated Joseph on her election and expressed confidence in her ability to strengthen school sports development across Africa.
The federation also pledged its full support as she assumes her new continental responsibilities.
Joseph has been a prominent figure in school sports administration in Nigeria. In 2019, she became the first female president of the NSSF after emerging unopposed during the federation’s elective congress at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.
A former secretary of the federation, she secured a second term as NSSF president during the federation’s Annual General Meeting held in Abuja in 2024.
Her election to the ISF continental leadership is expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s influence in shaping policies and programmes aimed at advancing school sports development across Africa.
The Issues
Joseph’s election reflects increasing recognition of Nigeria’s contributions to school sports administration and highlights the growing representation of women in leadership positions within international sports organisations.
Her appointment also presents an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among African countries in promoting grassroots sports development, talent identification and youth participation in competitive school sports.
What’s Being Said
The Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), in a statement signed by Secretary-General Ijeoma Olopade, said:
“On behalf of the NSSF executives, state coordinators, management, staff and the entire Nigerian student community, 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 added:
“We congratulate her and wish her a successful and impactful tenure.”
What’s Next
As Continental President for Africa, Joseph is expected to work with member federations and the International School Sport Federation to promote school sports development, expand participation and strengthen cooperation among African nations.
Her leadership is also expected to support initiatives aimed at nurturing young sporting talents and enhancing the role of school sports in youth development across the continent.
Bottom Line
Mrs Olabisi Joseph’s election as ISF Continental President for Africa is a landmark achievement for Nigeria and women in global sports administration. Beyond its symbolic significance, her appointment presents an opportunity to drive stronger collaboration and development of school sports across Africa.
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