Sports
NFF Pledges Total Support For Super Falcons
Director of the technical department of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Emmanuel Ikpeme, has denied any rift between the NFF and Super Falcons’ head coach, Kadiri Ikhana over the welfare of players.
Ikpeme addressed the coaching crew and other backroom staff of the Falcons at their base camp in Abia recently, pledging complete support from the federation.
There have been reports that the Football House regrets appointing the former Enyimba boss as the head coach of the senior women’s national team, a story vehemently denied by Ikpeme.
“There is no rift whatsoever between the NFF and Coach Kadiri Ikhana. As the head of technical and an insider, there is absolutely no truth to that report.”
He went further to add: “The NFF took a good decision by appointing a very competent man as the Falcons’ coach. We believe that he will redeem the team and take them back to the heights they were at before.”
Ikpeme also stated that the welfare of the players is very important and reiterated the NFF’s plan to ensure that the women are well taken care of.
“Recently the NFF increased the salaries of the coaches and this will also be applied to the players’ bonuses and allowances. The issue is being considered and at the appropriate time, we will implement the decision.”
Ikhana was unveiled as the Falcons head coach in April and was given the mandate to take the Falcons to the semi-finals of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Canada, as well as qualify for the 2015 All Africa Games in Mozambique and the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.
Ikhana also refuted the recent reports and insisted he has a very good working relationship with the federation.
“I know nothing about that story and where it came from. No such thing, as reported in the media, has happened. I am just focused on my job and making sure that we achieve our goals.”
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.