Sports
FIFA Lifts Nigeria’s Suspension NFF Hails Stakeholders
The executive committee of world football governing body, the international football Federation (FIFA), on Friday in Zurich, Switzerland lifted the suspension on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Tidesports source reports that the decision was one of many decisions taken at its meeting held from Oct. 28 to Oct. 29, and chaired by FIFA President Sepp Blatter.
FIFA had on Oct. 4 suspended Nigeria from international football on the strength of what it termed “government interference,’’ while it had provisionally lifted the suspension on Oct. 8.
The football body said its decision on Friday was based on the fact that the NFF executive committee “could now work without hindrance’’.
“This is after receiving confirmation that the court actions against elected members of the NFF had ceased, and that they can now work without hindrance,’’ a statement on FIFA website said.
Tidesports source reports that the peaceful resolution of the crisis in Nigerian football house had culminated in the striking out on Oct. 25 of the court case against the NFF Executive Committee.
The case had been instituted by the National Association of Nigerian Footballers (NANF), led by Harrison Jalla.
The development had paved way for the committee’s subsequent meeting on Oct. 27 and Oct. 28 at the NFF Glass House secretariat in Abuja.
NFF’s Assistant Chief Media Officer, Alhaji Abdulbaki Ibrahim, confirmed the receipt of FIFA’s letter to NFF on Friday in an interview with newsmen.
“We have received a statement from FIFA’s General Secretary, Mr Jerome Valcke, informing us of the decision, and the world football ruling body said it has taken note of recent positive developments in taking its decision.
“These positive developments had led to the re-instatement of the Acting General Secretary as well as the reversal of the idea of a 24-club Premier League season,’’ he said.
Reacting to FIFA’s lifting of the suspension, NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, said he could only express gratitude to all Nigerian football stakeholders who made the development possible.
“We are grateful, especially to the Sports Minister, Alhaji Isa Bio, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Chief Patrick Ekeji, as well as the chairmen and members of the Sports Committees of both the Senate and House of Representatives.
“All of them played various roles in ensuring a successful resolution of the crisis,’’ he added.
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.