Citation :

Ochor Daniel Chinonso, Okorie Okechukwu Iroechenma, Nwanesi Bethel Okechukwu , 2025. "Terrorism and Its Psychological Impact on Sports Development in Nigeria" International Journal of Community Empowerment & Society Administration [IJCESA]  Volume 2, Issue 4: 72-83.

Abstract :

Terrorism poses significant challenges to sports development, particularly in regions prone to insurgency and armed conflict. This study critically examines the psychological and structural impacts of terrorism on athlete participation, sports infrastructure, and national sports development in Nigeria. Employing a narrative review methodology, literature from 2009 to 2025 was synthesized, including peer-reviewed journals, policy papers, and reports. Key findings indicate that terrorism induces trauma, anxiety, and motivation decline among athletes, disrupts training and competition schedules, damages sports infrastructure, and discourages community engagement and sponsorship. The review also highlights the mediating role of psychological resilience and the potential of sports-based interventions in promoting recovery, social cohesion, and peacebuilding. Comparative insights reveal both global parallels and context-specific challenges in Nigeria, including regional disparities and limited empirical research on athlete mental health. The study concludes with recommendations for policymakers, sports administrators, and mental health practitioners, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated strategies to address psychological barriers, secure sports facilities, and foster sustainable development. These findings underscore the critical intersection of terrorism, psychology, and sports, and call for interdisciplinary research to inform evidence-based interventions in conflict-affected environments.

References :

[1] Abdullah, A., & Hassan, M. (2021). The impact of terrorism on social services and education in conflict-affected countries. Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 8(2), 45–60.

[2] Adesoji, A. O. (2022). Terrorism and national security challenges in Nigeria: Implications for sustainable development. African Security Review, 31(1), 73–89.

[3] American Psychological Association. (2022). Trauma and violence: Understanding psychological impacts. Washington, DC: APA.

[4] Boykoff, J., & Goodman, J. (2020). Sport, politics, and global terrorism: Impacts on event management and athlete psychology. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 55(4), 512–529.

[5] Eze, P. C., & Ogbu, A. N. (2022). Sports development and national cohesion in Nigeria: Challenges and prospects. Nigerian Journal of Sports Studies, 7(1), 15–28.

[6] Fletcher, D., & Sarkar, M. (2016). Mental fortitude in sport: Psychological strategies for performance under pressure. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 5(3), 199–214.

[7] Fletcher, D., & Sarkar, M. (2023). Resilience and mental toughness in sport: Implications for athlete development under stress. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 16(3), 410–427.

[8] Galtung, J. (1969). Violence, peace, and peace research. Journal of Peace Research, 6(3), 167–191.

[9] Hoberman, J. (2016). Sport and political violence: The Munich Olympics and beyond. International Journal of the History of Sport, 33(12), 1409–1425.

[10] Ibrahim, M., & Sule, H. (2021). Displacement and youth sports participation in northern Nigeria: Consequences of insecurity. Journal of African Youth Studies, 5(2), 58–74.

[11] Johnson, T. (2020). Sporting events and terrorism: Case studies from Europe. International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics, 12(4), 617–632.

[12] Keim, M., & de Coning, C. (2020). Sport and peacebuilding: Evidence from post-conflict African societies. Peace and Conflict Studies, 27(3), 1–18.

[13] Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396.

[14] Nwankwo, F., & Dibia, O. (2022). Economic implications of insecurity on sports investment in Nigeria. African Journal of Economic Development, 11(2), 58–72.

[15] Odey, J. E., & Oche, M. A. (2022). Psychological interventions and resilience-building for athletes in conflict-affected areas of Nigeria. Journal of Health and Sport Psychology, 14(1), 66–80.

[16] Okafor, C. J., & Nwachukwu, P. E. (2023). Mental health and athlete performance in Nigeria: The mediating role of resilience. Nigerian Journal of Applied Psychology, 9(1), 92–107.

[17] Pfefferbaum, B., North, C. S., & Flynn, B. (2022). Media exposure and psychological distress after terrorist attacks. Psychiatry, 85(2), 97–109.

[18] Richardson, G. E. (2002). The metatheory of resilience and resiliency. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(3), 307–321.

[19] Sandler, T. (2021). The economics of terrorism and counterterrorism. Routledge.

[20] Sarkar, M., & Fletcher, D. (2020). Psychological barriers to performance in sport under threat and uncertainty. Journal of Sports Psychology, 44(5), 382–399.

[21] Shaw, C. R., & McKay, H. D. (1942). Juvenile delinquency and urban areas. University of Chicago Press.

[22] United Nations. (2022). Global counter-terrorism strategy: Annual review report. United Nations Publications.

[23] United Nations Development Programme. (2021). Human development report 2021: Responding to conflict and insecurity in Nigeria. UNDP.

[24] UNICEF. (2023). Impact of conflict on youth sports and education in northern Nigeria. UNICEF Nigeria Country Office.

[25] World Bank. (2023). The socioeconomic costs of terrorism: Implications for human development. World Bank Publications.

[26] World Health Organization. (2022). Mental health and psychosocial support in conflict settings. Geneva: WHO.

Keywords :

Terrorism; Sports Development; Psychological Impact; Athlete Resilience; Nigeria; Peacebuilding.