Sports
‘Referees, Cause Of Football Violence’
The Chairman, Security Committee of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Chief Effiong Johnson, has criticised some Nigerian referees officiating in the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) and Nigeria National League (NNL).
In an online statement late last week, Johnson described the performance of some of the referees as ”shameful” and blamed them for the increasing cases of violence in Nigeria football.
The chairman’s comments came shortly after an NNL Division C match between Akwa Starlets of Uyo and Gray International at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar last Wednesday.
The match was won by Akwa Starlets through a 93rd minute strike from left-full-back, Nicholas Joseph.
“The result should have been different but for the ineptitude of the match officials who through their poor officiating gave victory away to the away team.
“The officiating was very poor. Nigerians can now see the reason why violence occurs in our stadia. Our referees are no doubt the major cause.
“The officiating was terrible. If referees do what is right, supporters will not be pushed to commit violence.”
“The game drew lots of anxiety and tension. The centre referee Ukaegbu Jonathan from Abia State and first assistant referee S. C. Odajiri from Anambra State were particularly fingered by the home supporters.
“The home supporters constantly faulted most of the officials’ calls particularly in the dying minutes and accused them of being incompetent.
“The action of the referee and his first assistant clearly instigated the crowd and I’m sure the NFA will look into such cases,’’ Johnson said
The chairman said he had informed the Chairman of the Referees’ Appointment Committee of the incident and had urged him to appoint intelligent referees for matches.
He said violence could only end in Nigeria football if the officials were cautious.
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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