Sports
Toro Lauds NSC For Timely Release Of Funds
Former Secretary of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Sani Toro, has hailed the National Sports Commission (NSC) for early disbursement of funds for Nigeria’s 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign.
Toro told newsmen in Lagos, that the action was an indication of government’s seriousness toward the competition.
The former secretary said that the NFA was now in a position to embark on the AFCON assignment without let or hindrance.
“I am happy that government has decided to give them money in advance at least approving N1.4 billion; I think it’s a good development at least for a football. At least that shows the commitment that government; has shown interest at least, that they want to see the team win the cup in South Africa.
“Well if you could recall in 1994 when we were preparing for the Nations Cup, we decided to take the team to Portugal; and they are taking the same step now. They want to take the team anld train, in Portugal; I think that Portugal is a very good place is very close to the European countries; our players can easily move to that place to train.
“I am happy Keshi is doing well; he has started building a team; he should concentrate on the team he has, so that at the end of the day the team will do well.’’
Toro, who was at the helm of affairs in 1996 when the U-23 team won a gold medal at the Atlanta Olympic Games, implored the team to approach the tournament with all seriousness.
“Every team that qualifies to take part in that competition is equally qualified to be in the final and even win the cup. There are no underdogs in football anymore.
“I hope the team will not underrate any of the teams so that at least it can do well because if the team doesn’t do well, Nigerians will start clamouring for the sack of the coach.
“So, this is not the time to start criticising the team; Nigerians have to give it all the necessary support in terms of prayers and in terms of motivation; I think once that is done, it will do well.”
Nigeria is scheduled to play in Group C with the Stallions of Burkina Faso, the Chipolopolo of Zambia, and the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia.
The matches will be played at the Mbombela stadium in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa.
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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