Enhancing Athletic Performance Through Counselling: a Social Work Perspective On University Athletes In Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the role of counselling, grounded in social work and informed by sport psychology, in enhancing the performance of university athletes in Nigeria. This paper adopts a narrative and conceptual review approach to examine the role of counselling, grounded in social work and informed by sport psychology. The study explores four key domains: psychological stress and coping, motivation and goal-setting, performance metrics, and the integration of social work interventions. Evidence indicates that counselling significantly mitigates anxiety, fosters resilience, and improves mental skills, contributing to better athletic outcomes. The findings also highlight contextual challenges unique to Nigerian universities, including limited access to psychological services, inadequate facilities, financial constraints, and cultural stigma surrounding mental health, which may moderate intervention effectiveness. The study recommends institutionalizing counselling services, implementing structured goal-setting programs, investing in athlete welfare, and promoting mental health awareness to optimize performance. By integrating psychological support with social work interventions, this study provides a holistic approach to sustaining athlete well-being and enhancing competitive performance, offering practical implications for sports administrators, policymakers, and practitioners in higher education contexts.