Sports
SWAN Wants NFF Technical Committee Re-Organised, Siasia Retained
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), has called for the immediate re-organisation of the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA).
The body also called for the retention of Super Eagles’ Coach, Samson Siasia.
The demands formed part of an 11-point communique which the association released in Abuja after an emergency congress to deliberate on the declining state of Nigerian football.
The body had discussed the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2012 African Cup of Nations finals in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
“After exhaustive deliberations during which we shared in the agony of Nigerians over the dismal performances, the congress resolved, among others, that far-reaching actions needed to be taken.
“The NFA Technical Committee should be totally re-organised and should consist of technically-competent football persons.
“The committee as presently constituted lacks the technical savvy to provide the needed support to the coaching crew of the various national teams,” the communique said.
It urged the NFA to expedite action on the process of employing a qualified technical director as well as set up a sound technical department.
The communique also said the Super Eagles’ failure should be seen as a collective one in which all concerned should share in the blame.
“Everybody, including the government, the football association, the technical committee, coaching crew, players and the media, et cetera, should share in the blame.
“This is why we endorse the retention of coach Siasia, as sacking him will be retrogressive in view of the fact that the Eagles is a team undergoing a re-building process at present.”
It added that the NFA should be wary of the invasion of the national teams by so-called ‘men of God’ as this affects the psyche of the players and their performances.
The communique also urged the NFA to de-emphasise the issue of monetary incentives to Super Eagles’ players to reflect the general economic realities in the country.
“The national team players need proper orientation, commitment and dedication to national assignment,” the communiqué stated.
It urged the NFA to introduce a well-thought-out disciplinary code for the national teams.
“This will forestall extreme disciplinary measures that could be detrimental to the overall interest of the nation,” it said.
The communique further urged the NFA to focus more on developmental programmes and re-engineer the various domestic leagues to generate players for clubs and national teams.
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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