Sports
Bomb Blasts: NFF Apprehensive Over Kaduna
A top official of Nigeria Football Federation has said that the federation were now ‘apprehensive’ about having the Super Eagles play their qualifying games in Kaduna following the Easter bomb blasts.
Nigeria due to host the World Cup and African Nations Cup qualifying games in the northern city this summer, but the fatal bomb blasts have left officials worried, although officially all are putting on brave faces.
“At the moment, we are all apprehensive after what happened this past weekend,” an NFF official said. “We will meet soon and consider the situation.”
On record, however, both NFF President Aminu Maigari, and Secretary General Musa Amadu were singing different tune. “The match in Kaduna is part of our efforts to use football to bring unity to the country. Nobody should raise unnecessary alarm,” Maigari said.
Amadu explained why Kaduna remained under consideration, “Abuja and Kaduna are the only two good stadia in the country that have natural grass,” he said.
“The rest are artificial turf. And we know the condition of the Abuja pitch at the moment.
“In any case, no one at the federation has officially come out to say we will play in Kaduna yet. So this is all speculation from the media for now.”
To complicate matters further, a number of Europe-based players have told Tidesport source they will not feel safe playing in Kaduna.
Last year, the Super Eagles played a friendly against Zambia in Kaduna and the game went without incident.
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.