Sports
Federation Cup: Group Matches Begin July 16
Last year’s runners-up, Enyimba FC of Aba will tango with Warri Wolves and Lobi Stars of Makurdi in what appears the pick of the group phase following Friday’s 2012 Federation Cup Draw in Abuja.
The three Nigeria Premier League clubs will do battle in Group A at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi, alongside the only non-League side remaining in the campaign, Samba FC of Enugu. The matches are billed to commence July 16.
At a colourful event inside the Ekiti Hall of NICON Luxury Hotel, Abuja, Cup holders Heartland FC of Owerri also found out they will trade tackles with three northern Nigerian teams – Premier League’s Gombe United and Plateau United as well as second-tier National League’s Nasarawa United FC. These Group D matches will come up in Port Harcourt.
In Group B, which venue is the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, Kwara United FC of Ilorin and Pillars of Kano will contend with Crown FC of Ogbomosho and El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri.
Confluence Stadium, Lokoja will host Group C matches that will involve Enugu Rangers, Sharks FC of Port Harcourt, Prime FC of Oshogbo and Dynamite Force of Edo, a Nationwide League club.
Nigeria Football Federation , NFF’s Director of Competitions, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, who conducted the Draw, also explained that the group stage will hold between 16th – 20th July, with the quarter finals to pitch the winner of Group A against runner-up of Group C and winner of Group B against runner-up of Group D. Also, the winner of Group C will welcome the runner-up of Group A and the winner of Group D will entertain the runner-up of Group B.
Already, the Nigeria Football Federation has picked the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar and the Ilorin Township Stadium to host the semi final matches.
FIFA Instructors Brendon Menton and Jacques Malie, who are in town for the on-going FIFA Wiawa Administration and Management Course, picked the seeded teams’ centres. NFF Executive Committee members, Dr Shehu Adamu and Alhaji Ahmad Muazu Kawu were also part of the occasion, as well as a couple of state FA chairmen and NFF Management.
The grand finale will come on stream at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos in August.
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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