Sports
Nigerian Clubs Await CAF Bonuses For 2011
Nigerian clubs Enyimba, Sunshine Stars and Kaduna United say they are yet to receive bonuses for their participation in continental tournaments in 2011.
Enyimba and Sunshine were semi-finalists in last year’s African Champions League and Confederation Cup competitions, respectively.
But the duo, alongside Kaduna United, who crashed out in the group phase of the Confederation Cup, are still awaiting payment, five months after the competitions were completed.
“The finance department is ensuring that it is following due process to ensure that money reaches the appropriate parties,” Confederation of African Football (Caf) Communications Director Suleiman Habuba told Tidesports source.
Habuba was responding to the frustrations of the Nigerian clubs in the delay of their payments.
“We have written to the Confederation of African Football (Caf) through the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) but still no word from them,” Sunshine Stars Chairman Mike Idoko said.
“We have been asked to defend our budget this season. It’s having a terrible effect on the club financially”
The Nigerians, who face Angola’s Recreativo do Libolo in this year’s edition of the Confederation Cup on Sunday, say the delay is affecting their ongoing campaign.
They are unhappy with the situation, saying they would be able to prepare better for this year’s tournament had all the money been paid.
“After spending so much, the state government (who are the club’s owners and sponsors) are demanding the income and benefits of playing in Africa,” Idoko said.
“We have been asked to defend our budget this season. It’s having a terrible effect on the club financially.”
Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Chairman of Enyimba, is also approaching Caf through the NFF to seek the payment of the money.
Anyansi-Agwu and chairman of Kaduna United, Sabo Babayaro, are also frustrated, knowing that some clubs have been remitted with their income.
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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