Sports
NFF Hails Fashola Over New Federation Cup
The Nigeria Football Federa tion, (NFF) has commended the gesture of Governor, Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State for procuring a new all silver, giant-size trophy for the Federation Cup Competition.
The NFF made its commendation in a statement by its Media Officer, Admola Olajire recently in Lagos.
He said that the governor’s gesture was made known in a meeting between the leadership of the NFF and the Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association Seyi Akinwunmi and his deputy, Tade Azeez.
The meeting took place at the Glasshouse Secretariat of the body in Abuja.
Fashola would present the new trophy to the NFF President and his team inside the Council Chambers of Lagos State Government House this week.
In his response to the offer, NFF Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, who was in company of the General Secretary, Musa Amadu and Director of Competitions, Dr Mohammed Sanusi commended Fashola for the gesture.
Maigari described the Lagos State governor as a man of class and standard, who had always shown his love for sports; particularly football.
The NFF commended Fashola for the new trophy for the Federation Cup.
The Lagos state governor was also commended for the consistent roles he had played in its support for the numerous football development programmes.
Competitions like the Eko Future Stars and the forthcoming Soccerex Africa Football Forum are being staged under the auspices of the Fashola administration which the NFF fully supports.
Lagos State will host the grand finale of this year’s Federation Cup, in line with a four-year agreement signed with the Nigeria Football Federation in 2010.
The grand finale of this year’s competition has now been fixed for Sunday, August 26, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
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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