Sports
NWPL Official Urges NFA To Save Women Football
The Chairman, Media Committee, Nigeria Women Premier League
(NWPL), Peter Oguche, has appealed to the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) to
ensure that female competition was developed.
Oguche told newsmen in Lagos that the NFA could only develop
the league if it concentrated on the development of the game at the grassroots.
He noted that it was when such was done that there could be
the birth and growth of female teams.
Oguche, who is also the Chairman, Oguche Babes FC of Lokoja,
said that there was the need for the NFA to make sure the women league was
adequately funded.
He said:“If the NFA continues the way they are going without
spending money or developing female football, especially at the grassroots,
female football in Nigeria will die’’.
Oguche said that it was disheartening that it was only
private individuals that were helping the league to survive.
“If football administrators do not show interest quickly,
the development of women football will not be possible.
“The NFA should do the right thing; I do not know why NWPL
is not given allocation in the NFA’s annual budget.
“It is people who are not in the administration of football
that are helping us to ensure that female football thrives,’’ he said.
Oguche also advised the female national U-17 and U-20 teams
in the World Cup competitions to do the country proud.
He said that their winning the tournaments might make the
administrators to change their minds toward female football development.
“I hope the girls for the various competitions will soar
high because most of them were discovered from the league.
“Maybe, if the girls win, the members of NFA will have a
change of heart and start funding the female league,’’ Oguche 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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