Sports
Coach Decries Ebonyi’s Govt’s Lack Of Support For Club
George Anazoba, Chief Coach of Mgbo Ambassadors FC of Ohaukwu, Ebonyi, one of the state’s representatives in the Federation Cup, has decried the lack of support from the government.
Anazoba said that as a result of this, the club had not been able to raise the statutory N100,000 processing fee to file a petition before the Nigeria Football Association (NFA).
He told newsmen in Abakaliki that the club could not pay the fee for the petition against Ekabokom FC of Cross River over the inconclusive match played in Makurdi on May 23.
The coach said that the team, owned by a school teacher, tried their best to raise the money but could not as none of those approached came to their rescue.
“We approached several private individuals and the state government, but we could not get any form of assistance and the match was eventually awarded to Ekabokom, who were better prepared.
“The most painful aspect of the issue was that the state government could not assist us and could not even redeem its pledge of N50,000 to the team when we emerged runners-up at the state’s Federation Cup competition,” he said.
Anazoba stated that the players were devastated on hearing that the match had been awarded to Ekabokom, considering the amount of sacrifice they put into the deadlocked match.
“The referee incurred the wrath of spectators when he disallowed two of our goals and awarded a dubious penalty to our opponents with two minutes left in regulation time.
“Our first choice keeper nearly lost his life as a result of a collision with an opposing attacker and had to be rushed to the hospital unconscious, though he was later revived,” he said.
Godwin Eze, the proprietor of the club, lamented that the poor attention given to football had affected the fortunes of amateur clubs in the state.
“We embarked on our trip to Makurdi to prosecute the match with my salary and contributions from members of the team,” he said.
Reacting to the development, Desmond Ome, the Secretary, Ebonyi Football Association, described the situation as regrettable.
“We do not receive any form of subvention from the state government unlike what is obtainable in other states, so no FA member went to Makurdi for the match because of lack of funds,” he said.
Chief Nicodemus Omenka, the immediate past Ebonyi Commissioner for Youths and Sports, said that he did not receive any request for assistance from the club while in office.
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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