Sports
NPL Plans Regular Training For Coaches
The Nigeria Premier League (NPL) has urged clubs within its purview to boost the profile of their team with quality players for a better performance at continental competitions.
The NPL’s Acting Executive Secretary, Tunji Babalola told newsmen in Lagos, that the body would provide adequate support for the country’s representative in continental competitions.
Babalola debunked the notion that the country’s club sides, that recently got eliminated from the ongoing CAF Champions League and the Confederation Cup were humiliated, was a misplaced claim.
“What the clubs needed to do in subsequent editions of the continental competitions was for them to reinforce their teams with quality and experienced players.
“On the part of the NPL we are trying to support them in terms of logistics, for instance we make sure their domestic league competition does not clash with their departure dates for continental assignments..
“It’s quite unfortunate that we are out, but we still need to appreciate the fact that they tried their best, they were not disgraced; no matter the level of preparation a team must win and a team must lose.’’ Babalola said.
When asked whether the elimination of Dolphins FC of Port Harcourt, the defending champion of the NPL does not question the authenticity of their status as defending champion, he said the question was out of place.
“You can’t conclude based on this, for instance Chelsea did not perform well in their domestic league, but they have performed well at the Champion’s League which brings me back to the luck factor.
He added that current developments in football had made it mandatory for coaches to develop themselves, in order to keep abreast with the contemporary demands of the game.
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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