Sports
Give Referees Free Hands – Bebeto
Football Club Owners and their officials at all levels in Nigeria have been charged to give Referees free hands to officiate in football matches so as to ensure steady sports development in the country. Giving the charge in a lecture on “Law 11” (Offside) he delivered as part of activities marking 2009 SWAN Week, Enugu state chapter, a FIFA and Premier League Badge referee, Mr. Udennaka A . N. C. Bebeto , also urged security operatives to always live up to expectation in ensuring the safety of lives of the players and match officials respectively. Bebeto called on his professional colleagues to be courageous enough during their matches, saying, ”The misinterpretation of this Law by some referees, are cause by threat to their lives by the fans/club officials, wrong positioning during the matches, not being physically fit for the match or having sympathy for one of the teams to stating that this has been responsible for teams to win matches they ought not to have won. He noted the need for referees and their assistants to study the law, and recent rules in football. Continuing, Mr. Bebeto further said : “ This law, which is one of the seventeen laws of the game of football classified under the technical law is regarded by many as the most controversial law of all which has sent many to their graves, hospitals as well as created permanent enemity among football fans.” Bebeto made it clear that referees in Nigeria are always under pressure even from state governors and private football owners who promise them (referees) heaven on in other to secure assistance for their clubs to win matches. He commended the leadership of SWAN Enugu state chapter for organizing the lecture, and urged journalists to report objectively instead of “crucifying the referees when they make human errors.” Other resource persons that presented papers aimed at to updating the knowledge of SWAM/ members on the laws of the game included former sports editor of NTA Enugu, Mr. Okey Anyichie and the national vice chairman of SWAN, South East, Mr. Foster Chime.
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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