Sports
130 Referees Undergo COPA Test In Abuja
No fewer than 130 referees from different states of the federation underwent the February batch of the 2011/2012 COPA fitness test at the National Stadium in Abuja.
President of the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA), Alhaji Ahmed Maude, disclosed this to newsmen in Abuja at the weekend.
He said that the February session was designed to accommodate those referees who could not participate in the November 2011 test.
“This is makeup; those that were sick; those that travelled to Mecca during that time or were absent for one reason or another – we are giving them the second chance.
“So, we call them to do their own. It is part and parcel of the other exercise. This is the conclusive part.
“As far as professional and premier league is concerned, there won’t be any other fitness test. Only those at the amateur, not the nationwide, will do theirs’ as they resume.”
Maude praised Peter Edibe, a Nigerian referee, for earning a call to participate in the just concluded 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
He further disclosed that the association was making concerted efforts to ensure that more Nigerian referees officiated in subsequent international tournaments.
According to him, Edibe has featured in two AFCON tournaments, in Ghana (2008) and Angola (2010).
He said that though two Nigerian referees were earlier scheduled to participate in the AFCON, only Edib could make it because the other person fell sick just before the tournament began.
He expressed regrets that Nigeria’s Super Eagles could not qualify to participate in the fiesta.
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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