Sports
Globacom, Total In NPL Sponsorship Row
The Nigeria Premier League is set for another setback as the battle over the title sponsorship rights between Globacom and Total Promotions resurrects.
The controversy was thought to have been amicably resolved by the Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi, after he brokered a peace deal between both sides earlier in the year, with Total Promotions agreeing to relinquish the title rights to Globacom upon payment of an agreed compensation.
However, it was gathered that Total Promotions have developed cold feet and consequently raised their demands from the agreed N100 000000 compensation to an outrageous N1 500 000 000.
In a letter sent to the Minister by the Chief Operating Officer of Globacom, Mohamed Jameel, Total Promotions was accused of breaching the terms of the peace agreement by making outrageous demands in negation to the out-of-court settlement brokered by the Minister last month at the request of the Interim Management Committee of the NPL.
“We firmly believe that Total Promotion does not deserve the N100 000 000 compensation we agreed. But by accepting the terms, Glo was only responding to the minister’s patriotic call for all parties concerned to cease fire in the overriding national interest,” Jameel wrote.
“We want to stress that we have a good case in court but our decision to abide by the terms of settlement is therefore an altruistic sacrifice to prevent the Nigeria Premier League from suffering any futher haemorrhage.”
The League has operated without a sponsor in the past two seasons and stakeholders were looking forward to better days, but the latest setback has once again put the fate of the League in the balance.
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.