Sport as a Manifestation of Cultural Heritage in Nigeria

Abstract

Sport and culture are known to bear similar identity. Culture typifies the social, moral conduct, the norm and an acceptable behavioural pattern of an individual within a society. Sport, on the other hand, serves as a role model, enabling the participants to possess the proper mental and physical traits to be emulated by other members of a society. Sport also serves as an appropriate channel through which the behaviour accepted by custom may be regulated. It can be seen through the values and functions of both sport and culture that they are mutually related, and one may be used to project the other.

This paper, therefore, makes a critical analysis of the concepts of sport and culture; identifies some cultural activities of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria; examines the relationship between sport and culture; and assesses the manifestation of sport through the cultural activities of Nigerian citizens.

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