Sports
Ex-Arsenal Chief Urges Resolution Of NPL Crisis
A former Vice-President of Arsenal FC of London, David Dein, has urged the Nigeria’s football stakeholders to close ranks to resolve the crisis currently bedevilling the Nigeria Premier League (NPL).
Dein told newsmen at the Eko Atlantic Beach in Lagos that the ongoing impasse may stunt the growth of the league.
The NPL’s 2012/2013 season that was scheduled to kick off on December13, had to be postponed because of the dissolution of the body’s board on December 5 by the NPL Congress.
The development had since thrown the league into a quandary, following which the scheduled commencement of the league was again postponed until February 16, 2013.
The league’s regulatory body had been caught up in series of intractable crises since 2010, which had led to the league being denied of a viable title sponsor, to run its programmes.
“So it’s very important that you get together and put a halt to the festering crisis that has engulfed the league. The NPL needs a strong leadership at the helm.
“You know, if you are rowing a boat and your passengers are not heading in the same direction with you, the boat will end up going in circles.
“I am not being critical of Nigeria, but the developments in the NPL could be likened to the country’s fractious politics,” the former vice-president said. When asked to assess the continent’s football development and its prospects, Dein told NAN that organisation was a critical factor.
“It boils down to organisation: a strong board of directors. We need people in this business for the right reasons, not for any purpose or gain, because people have to be true to what they do.
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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