Sports
Green Denies Players Blacklist Report
Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Committee, Barrister, Chris Green, has denied media reports crediting him with a statement that some Super Eagles players have been blacklisted and would no longer be invited for international engagements.
“I never spoke to anyone about any player being blacklisted from the national team. This report has come as an embarrassment because I did not grant any interview to anyone to make such a claim.
“In the first place, it is the prerogative of the technical crew of any of the national teams to determine which players would be invited to their teams, which players have done well at any particular match and which players merit invitation for an upcoming match.
“As chairman of the Technical Committee, I work with other persons to ensure the provision of all the support that the teams need before, during and after a match. I don’t pick players for the coaches, neither does the Technical Committee interfere unnecessarily in the work of the technical crews,” said Green.
The NFF Executive Committee member said he does not know anything about the blacklisting of any player from subsequent invitation to the camp of the Super Eagles.
“I am not the head coach. Mr Stephen Keshi is the head coach. If any player failed to justify his inclusion in the 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda in Kigali, that is for the head coach and his assistants to determine and decide their position on the player in respect of upcoming engagements. It is not my place to blacklist any player,” stated Green.
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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