Sports
SWAN Honours Maigari
The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) have honoured Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari with a Gold Merit Award.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria who organised the award at the Radio House in Abuja cited the efforts of Maigari at supporting the various National Teams to prepare, participate and qualify for all major football championships in the year 2012.
“We are honouring the NFF President for the support that himself, the Executive Committee and the Management (of the NFF) have given to all National Teams to qualify and take part in all major competitions this year, and this award is meant to also encourage him and the Board and Management to provide even more support for our National Teams in the year 2013,” the Chairman of FCT-SWAN, Mr. Kayode Adeniyi said.
In his acceptance speech, Maigari took the opportunity to extol the efforts of the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission at supporting the NFF.
“I am most delighted, yet humbled by this award. Let me use this opportunity to say a big ‘thank you’ to the Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission, for the immense support we have been receiving from them to run the National Teams. We also appreciate our partners/sponsors for their support,” Maigari said.
“I wish to state clearly here that the Board of Nigeria Football Federation and the Management are committed to adequate preparation of our National Teams for the major championships they have qualified for, while we are also determined to provide all necessary support to the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals,” he concluded.
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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