BACKGROUND:
Nigeria is experiencing epidemiological transition marked by rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), sedentary lifestyles, youth unemployment, increasing healthcare costs, physical inactivity has emerge as a major public health concern with implications for population health and national development. Integrating sports performance, structured exercise, and scientific evidence offers a sustainable approach to health promotion in the 21st century.

OBJECTIVES:
This paper examines the role of integrating sports performance, education, and science can improve health, educational outcomes and socio-economic for polices and public health practice.

METHODS:
A qualitative policy and system analysis was conducted using national health, education, and sports policy documents, supplemented by peer-reviewed literature. Key domains and evidence-informed models relevant to Nigeria’s socio-economic context.

RESULTS:
Sports-based interventions in educational setting improves physical activity, health literacy, and youth engagement. Supported by sports science and performance monitoring, they reduce injury risk, prevent non-communicable diseases, and enhance skills development. Fragmented governance, weak intersectoral coordination, and limited investment in sports science constrain scalability and sustainability.

CONCLUSIONS:
Integrating sports performance, education, and science is a feasible, cost effective strategy for health promotion and national development. Strengthening inter-ministerial collaboration, embedding health education within sports systems, and investing in research capacity are essential for equitable and sustainable outcomes.