Sports
Continuous Training, Best Option For Nigerian Referees – Agent
A Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) and Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA) licensed agent, Edwin Odogwu, has urged referees to regularly attend training workshops to update their knowledge.
Odogwu, who gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, said that referees needed to keep themselves abreast with the latest trends in the sports they preside over.
“In terms of near perfect officiating, we are yet to get there; officiating is still poor and I must say that most of the Nigerian referees still need to be exposed; they need more training.
“They need to attend courses locally and internationally, to keep them abreast with the latest developments regarding current rules and regulations in FIFA and FIBA.
“If you are a referee you must make it a point of duty to continuously develop yourself; where you fail to do that you will find yourself lagging behind others in the discharge of your duties,’’ he said.
Odogwu also implored the country’s sports administrators and corporate entities to assist in the training of referees to enable them perform better.
“I encourage our administrators and corporate bodies to please send these referees for courses that will benefit them and also help develop sports.
“If we do this, we will be putting life into sports because sports is about the officials, the match commissioners and administrators; that is what makes sports a success,’’ the licensed agent said.
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.