Marking his first anniversary as Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai Esq has recorded an impressive list of achievements that have significantly elevated sports development across Sierra Leone.
Since assuming office on 15 April 2024, Dr. Abdulai— a renowned lawyer, academic, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and sports administrator, has championed a bold and inclusive vision to make sports bigger, better, and more accessible for the country’s youth. Over the past 12 months, his leadership has seen a remarkable expansion in nationwide sports engagement, institutional reforms, and infrastructure development.
Under his tenure, the NSA has rolled out staff deployment across local councils, conducted regional facility assessments, and spearheaded the renovation of Bo Stadium, transforming its playing surface from a state of disrepair into a full green pitch. He has also led a successful push to ensure monthly remuneration for Leone Stars coaches, ending the previous quarterly payment model.
Dr. Abdulai has fostered key partnerships with both local and international organizations to advance the country’s sports agenda, while also recruiting legal experts to draft essential regulations on sports development, anti-doping, and governance structures.
Further accomplishments include securing land for a new multipurpose basketball complex, facilitating Sierra Leonean club participation in CAF competitions with financial and logistical support, and ensuring the teaching of African Traditional Games and Sports in universities, backed by a $11,000 investment.
His tenure has also prioritized gender parity, youth protection through anti-drug campaigns, and revived relationships with national sports bodies like SWASAL. Notably, he saved the government over $70,000 by relocating Leone Stars matches from Morocco to Liberia and provided transport support for fans.
For the first time, the NSA has provided annual subvention to the National Olympic Committee and advocated for structural upgrades at the National Stadium, including the push for FIFA-standard plastic seating.
Dr. Abdulai has also played a central role in resolving key administrative disputes within the local football scene and worked with the Ministry of Education to integrate sports into schools and universities.
As the NSA celebrates this milestone, Dr. Abdulai’s transformative leadership is being widely recognized for reviving the sporting sector and placing it firmly on a path of growth, inclusion, and national pride.
