Sports
NFF Calls Up 41 For U-15 Tourney
In preparation for the U-15 Eight-Nation Invitational Tournament taking place in Mexico in late June, the Nigeria Football Federation has called up 41 players for a first phase of camping.
The list includes 18 players that currently make up the U-15 National Boys Team, who will get stiff competition for places with players from upscale football academies Kwara Football Academy and FOSLA, as well as players from COPA Coca-Cola 2011 UK Summer Camp team.
The first phase of camping begins this weekend in Abuja with the technical crew of the U-17 National Team, headed by Manu Garba, taking charge of the screening.
“The coaching crew of the U-17 National Team will take charge of the team, since we are looking at a situation whereby these boys will graduate into the U-17 National Team,” stated NFF’s Director of Technical, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme.
Ikpeme also confirmed that in the second phase, more players who were discovered by staff of the NFF Technical Department will be invited to try their luck.
Full List Of Invitees For The
National U-15 Team: Abdullahi Yunusa, Tanimu Hamza (Niger State), Udoh
Akpan, Obasi Chigozie (Ogun State), Philip Samson, Abass Ibrahim (Kogi
State), Ajisebutu Adesegun, Sani Imurana (Kaduna State), Anas Mohammed
(Kano State), Abiodun Ajayi (Osun State), Uko Anietie, Akpan Etiboy
(Cross River State), Clement Ogbobe, Lazarus John (FCT), Onwuka
Masscotte, Solomon Nsude (Imo State), Njoku Jacob, Ezeh Chidera (Enugu
State)
FOSLA ACADEMY: Garai Raphael, George Osogbei, Torti Sunday, Joseph
Elijah, Njolak Enoch, Saliu Lawrence, Ahmed Famili, Maduji Ndubuisi.
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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