Sports
Nigerians Praise Rating Of NPL By IFHHS
It was with mixed reactions that soccer buffs in Nigeria welcomed the rating of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) as the strongest in Africa.
The International Federation History and Statistics (IFHHS) in a recent report ranked the league as number one in Africa and 24th worldwide.
While some noted that it had properly situated the position of the league in Africa, others said that it left gaps which the organisers could work on to put it among the top 20 best leagues.
Spokesman for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Ademola Olajire said that the federation was happy with the rating.
“We are happy that the little we are doing is being appreciated; it means that we have to strive to make it bigger,’’ he said.
Mitchell Obi, the Vice-Chairman of Mastersports International, a Lagos-based sports marketing outfit, said the rating merely showed the NPL as the most competitive in Africa.
He said that from the current placement on the league table, it was obvious that the competition among the top five teams in the league had been tough.
“Even the previous champions, Enyimba is not certain of their final placing.
“The current league leaders are also uncertain of the eventual outcome of the league as they are locked in a tough competition to win the league.
“Indeed, any mistakes among them can trigger drastic changes in position among the top five frontrunners,’’ he said.
However, Obi said that the rating had not really added real value to the league.
“There are a lot to be done to improve the quality and content of the league; it is not yet paying its way.
“The league has yet to attract sponsors; it has yet to fill the spectator stands. It should be able to have good commercial padding as well as offer a variety to the viewing public,’’ he said.
Obi said that the league should also be in a position to provide a retirement opportunity for the country’s top flight players after their careers in big leagues abroad.
He contended that the only good thing about the league was that it was now being played in quality pitches across the country, with a measure of quality officiating.
“There is some hope for improvements in future,’’ he said.
Joe Erico, a former Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles, described the rating as a plus to the NPL as they were achieving what they set out to do.
“Our league is one of the best in Africa, no doubt about that. I am not surprised that we are rated as the strongest; we are very passionate about the sport and we try to make the best out of it.
“We pray that we grow from strength to strength, and one day we will be rated one of the best in the world.
“I would say here that we should work more on the day to day running of the league as it would help us to improve in our performance,’’ he said.
The General Manager of 3SC of Ibadan, MutiuAdepoju, said that the NPL’s ranking as the most competitive was a good encouragement to strive for the best.
“This goes a long way to show that the league is strong, and we should continue to strive for the best and not relent in our efforts.
“But we still need to improve in our performance, most especially in the African Championships and other major events,’’ he 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.
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