The President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Mrs. Olabisi Temitope Joseph, has been elected as the International School Sport Federation (ISF) Continental President for Africa, making history as the first African woman to occupy the prestigious position.
Mrs. Joseph was elected on Tuesday during the 2026 ISF General Assembly held in Belgrade, Serbia, where delegates from 82 member countries gathered to shape the future of global school sports. A total of 79 votes were cast during the election.
Her emergence marks a landmark moment not only for Nigeria but also for African school sports, as she becomes the first female in Africa and the first woman in the history of the International School Sport Federation to be elected as ISF Continental President for Africa.
The historic election is widely regarded as a reflection of Nigeria’s growing influence in school sports administration and its commitment to youth development through sports.
In a statement issued by the Nigeria School Sport Federation, the federation described the achievement as a milestone for Nigerian and African school sports, expressing confidence in Mrs. Joseph’s ability to provide strong leadership at the continental level.
“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 Continental President for Africa,” the statement read.
The federation also reaffirmed its support for the newly elected continental president as she assumes responsibility for advancing school sports across Africa.
Signed by Secretary General Dr. Oba Funsho Usman, the statement congratulated Mrs. Joseph on her election and wished her a successful and impactful tenure.
Mrs. Joseph’s election is expected to strengthen Africa’s voice within the International School Sport Federation while creating more opportunities for collaboration, talent development and the growth of school sports across the continent.