Sports
Court Adjourns NANF/NFA Case Again
Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Lagos, has again adjourned the contempt suit brought by the National Association of Nigerian Footballers (NANF) against the Nigerian Football Association (NFA).
Abang adjourned the case on Tuesday after the counsel to the NANF, Belo Aikhoje, asked for time to respond to the motion by the NFA challenging the re-listing of the case.
Aikhoje had urged the court to disregard the motion by NFA challenging the re-listing of the matter.
He said that it was a motion for committal of NFA officials and should be heard first even if the NANF had not responded to the NFA’s motion challenging the re-listing.
He acknowledged that NANF did not respond to the motion within the stipulated time but said that the process was ongoing at the Registry.
The counsel to NFA, Dr Joseph Nwobike (SAN), had filed a motion challenging the re-listing of the case the NANF discontinued on October 25, 2010.
Nwobike said the court should not hear the counter motion filed by NANF because his motion challenging the re-listing of the suit had not been heard by the court.
Following the arguments, the judge intervened with the order in which the motions would be heard.
Abang ruled that the court would first entertain the motion by the NFA because NANF did not respond to the motion on notice within the stipulated time.
Following the development, Aikhoje asked for an adjournment to enable him prepare a response to the motion challenging the re-listing of the matter.
The counsel to NFA did not oppose the adjournment sought by Aikhoje and both parties agreed on April 5 for the next hearing of the matter.
It will be recalled that NANF went to court on August 2 seeking to stop the NFA elections initially slated for August 21 from holding and secured a court injunction to that effect on August 20 from Abang.
But the NFA disregarded the court order and fixed the elections for August 26.
However, NANF went back to the Federal High Court presided over by Justice Mohammed Idris on August 24 to stop the August 26 elections from holding.
Idris also gave an order stopping the elections from holding but the NFA went ahead in defiance of the injunctions to hold the elections.
On September 6, Abang nullified the August 26 elections and charged the NFA officials with contempt.
It will be recalled that the matter was discontinued on October 25 after FIFA banned the country from all international competitions but was relisted on January 7 by NANF.
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.