Sports
Jaja Accuses Clubs Of Bribery
Former referees Chief Dr. Sam Sam Jaja has hit back at club officials, accusing them of bribing referees and only crying wolf when they get out-bribed.
In the last few weeks, Nigerian referees have come under relentless attack from club officials.
Nigeria Football Federation, NFF executive committee member Effiong Johnson fired the first high profile salvo when he accused referees of inciting violence with their ‘incompetence’.
Rangers coach, Okey Emordi added his voice last weekend, describing them as ‘kill joys’ after watching his side’s unbeaten run halted at Sunshine Stars.
Dolphins also had cause to pitch in after getting two players sent off in Wednesday’s 0-1 reverse at Enyimba.
But Jaja, former President of the NRA, was having none of it, and pointed the finger right back at the administrators, claiming they induce match officials “Most coaches and club managers are guilty of bribing referees to obtain favours and that is why away wins are very rare in our league even when the away team deserves to win.
“So when you hear some of them complain, it is just a case of this one bribing more than the other just as you have this politician rigging more than the other. If the coaches desist from inducing the referees, then all will be well with the league.”
Jaja added that as additional insurance, clubs employ the services of thugs to intimidate match officials: “The referees are human beings and they are bound to fear for their lives.”
Outside of bribery and intimidation, Jaja suggests frequent training for match officials.
“In England, the FA brings the referees together for two weeks and gets seasoned referee instructors and even psychologists to update their skills through physical, mental and psychological exercises.
“Unfortunately, what happens this way is bringing together coaches for a day or two prior to the commencement of the season. This is obviously never enough to impart into them changing trends in the sport.”
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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