Sports
Odegbami Leads Ex-Players Planned Take-Over Of NFF
Former Eagles captain Segun Odegbami is at the vanguard of former internationals who, in Lagos, declared their intention to take over the administration of the game in the country.
Odegbami is running for President of the Nigeria Football Federation, and led a posse of ex-players to a declaration gathering at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos over the weekend.
“The future of Nigerian football will be better served by those who understand the game and have played it,” Odegbami said.
“We are ready to fight this cause. To use all that we have at our disposal to get to the place, even if it means contesting the Statutes. If anything goes wrong with the election, we will challenge it anywhere.”
Odegbami’s previous attempts at the Glass House have been thwarted, and the 1980 Nations Cup winner insisted that the time had come to rid the administration of the game from people whose intention is to enrich themselves.
Also presented for election by the ex internationals were 1980 Nations Cup winning captain Christian Chukwu, immediate past captain Austin Okocha and former midfielder Mutiu Adepoju.
Backing their candidacies, former striker Victor Ikpeba said Nigeria must follow the path towed by other countries.
“We say clearly here that Nigerian players have come of age. They have paid their dues. Football is their game. They must be an integral part of its administration in order for the game to move on to the next level. That is the practice in other parts of the developed football world that have thrown up the likes of Michel Platini, Ben Kofie, Salif Keita, Franz Beckenbauer and Kalusha Bwalya,” Ikpeba said.
“Nigerian footballers remain the country’s best international ambassadors. Yet, no Nigerian ex-international player has ever headed any major aspect of football administration in the country.”
The elections are scheduled to hold on August 21.
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.