Darts Federation Boss Awolola Isiaka: Darts more than a game, it's lifestyle
Darts to some might seem like a simple game of throwing arrows at a board with colors and numbers to calculate points. But to others, it is more than just
Darts to some might seem like a simple game of throwing arrows at a board with colors and numbers to calculate points. But to others, it is more than just a sport — it is a living, a lifestyle, and even a form of mental exercise. Around the world, darts is a tradition dating back approximately 700 years, originating with English soldiers throwing arrows at wine casks before becoming an officially recognized sport in 2005. In Nigeria, however, darts is not yet widely popular. Meet Awolola Adeyemi Isiaka, the President of the Darts Federation of Nigeria (DFN) and a seasoned darts player. He shares his thoughts on the game and how it can rise in prominence in the country, with Paul Gabriel.
What attracted you to darts?
As you know, everyone has a passion for things. As for me, it's darts. You know that I was a darts player on the local level, then, I became the Head Coach of the Nigerian Police Team. I'm still even their head coach but I'm retiring soon and I am a certified coach.
I'm also a product of NIS — Nigerian Institution for Sports. So all I can say is that I love the game, because it sharpens your knowledge, your vision, and makes you precise in what you want to do.
It's a game that you cannot retire from; you can still play at the age of 90. It's not compared to other sports that you have to be in your peak years to play. It's a game you can play alone in your house. You can stand there and play alone. That's why I chose the game — because I looked at my strength now and when I am older, I will not be out of the game entirely. I will have something to exercise my head and brain and be precise in thinking, and the calculation would be renewed in my head. So that's just it.
What are the benefits of playing darts recreationally, mentally and financially?
The medical benefits generally are: darts is just like general body-fit exercise. If you watch darts players playing, you'll notice they move quite a lot. Their hands are moving, their brains are working. Anyone that drops their arrow would move to collect it from the board.
So generally, it's basically a body-fit exercise. Mentally, it sharpens your brain and focus, deepens your concentration so you can aim and be precise. It's also discipline — as a darts player, you need to stand still, concentrate, and aim. Neurologists use it for some patients as treatment, and physiotherapists even recommend it. It also helps with arithmetic, sharpening knowledge in addition, subtraction, and multiplication when calculating points. In England, they even use darts to teach children in school. It's only in Nigeria that it's not very popular, but in Europe and America, darts is the second most-viewed sport after football. That's why we are trying to introduce it more in Nigeria.
Financially. Well, it offers lots of financial benefits. Many of us darts players are benefactors of this scheme. I was employed through darts; my only job is to play darts. Many more have been employed by government and private individuals who pay players for playing darts.”
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Darts isn't very prominent in Nigeria. Are there steps to make it more visible?
Well, one of the steps is why we are having this interview. We are leveraging the media to create publicity — using social media, television, and even broadcasts. We are also going from place to place to encourage new players and scout young talents. Our next step is to go to schools. We want it included in every school's inter-house sports.
We've already begun by picking pilot schools to start from.
Funding is key. How do you intend to fund this sport?
Yes, partnership is one of the key strategies for raising funds. If you look at our poster, you'll see we are in conjunction with the National Sports Council, so the government is part of the sport. Beyond the partnership, the government also has roles to play.
For someone interested in darts, what steps should they take?
Interest — the first thing is to have interest. Once you develop interest in it, you look for ways to be part of it. You can contact a sports place close to you, go there, and let them know you are interested. They can get you registered. Every state has its branch, and we also have training venues, so wherever you are, there's a place to train and play. Just seek out the venue and contact us. Plus, it's free — we don't bill anyone or ask for payment for training. We accept you and advise you on how to be a better player. Also, you must have your own equipment, like your dart arrows.
What about welfare?
Well, each state, when they go out for competition, uses the proceeds to take care of themselves. It might not be much, but it helps in their day-to-day needs. For example, in Edo, when you register, you have access to clinical services because we are registered under NHIS — National Health Insurance Scheme. You pay 10 percent, while the government handles 90 percent. I don't know about other states, but it happens in Edo State.
Any final advice for aspiring darts players?
The only advice I can give is that you can make a living from darts. It's not just for fun — you can earn from it. For example, in South Africa, the PDC Professional Dart Commission gives $5,000 to the winner, and for a world competition, it could be $30,000. Luke Littler earned a lot in just three days. Some players aren't attached to a state but are contracted by wealthy states during national events.
A gold medal can be 2.5 million naira — four gold medals would be 10 million. If you are strict and prudent, you can't spend it all in a month. There are also job opportunities. The new Inspector General of Police has given slots to recruit new players, and they can become police officers through darts.
