Sports
NFF Invites 36 Home Based Players To Camp Ahead 2011 CHAN
In order to avoid the repeat of early elimination from the next edition of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has invited 36 players to the Home Based Eagles for early preparations.
The CHAN is for home based teams in Africa. In the first edition Nigeria was eliminated by Ghana in the second round. The final was played in Cote d’Ivoire and won by Congo DR.
According to the Assistant Chief Media Officer of NFF, Alhaji Abdubaki Ibrahim, the early call to camp is for early preparation pending when CAF will release the timetable for qualifiers for the 2011 championship.
He also said that five of the players that made up the list are from those that participated in the beach soccer held in Durban of South Africa.
The five of them are, Abdulah Isa of Akwa Utd, Okemmiri Ogbonna of Kwara Utd, Uga Okpara of Enyimba International, Isaka Olawale of Lobi Stars and Garba Baba Yahaya of Nassarawa Utd.
Two members of the Olympic team, Chibuzor Okonkwo of Bayelsa Utd and Ambrose Efe of Kaduna Utd were also invited.
Others are Bassey Akpan of Bayelsa Utd, John Gaady of Lobi Starts, Ndubuisi Okeke of Babanawa FC, Yinka Adedeji, Nnaemeka Anyanwu of Rangers FC, Promise Cletus of OUK FC, Marsha Johnson of Akwa Utd and Tony Abawula of Ocean Boys FC.
Also in the list are; Suleiman Ismaila of Lobi Stars, Ike ThankGod of Heartland FC, Victor Michael of Enyimba Int’l, Sunday Mba of Rangers Int’l, Chidozie Johnson of Enyimba Int’l, Itodo Cletus of Akwa Utd, David Tyakase of Lobi Stars, Gambo Mohammed, Kofarmata Bello and Uche Henry all of Kano Pillars FC, Gbenga Ajala of Nassarawa Utd, Uchebo Okey of Rangers Int’l, Chima Uloma of OUK FC, Sunday Emmanuel and Nasiru Usemi of Gombe Utd, Okoro Stanley of Heartland FC, Shehu Abdullahi of Niger Tornadoes, Sunday John Okoh of Zamfara Utd, Agboyi Ovokha of NFA FC, Segun Oluwaniyi of 3SC and Dele Iwuyemi of FC Abuja.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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