Sports
Maigari Wants Leagues To Discover More Stars
President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Aminu Maigari yesterday in Abuja challenged the various Leagues to produce more heroes and stars for Nigerian football, in the mould of Super Eagles’ Cup of Nations boys, Sunday Mba and Godfrey Oboabona.
“The Leagues have the responsibility to work even harder now to produce heroes for Nigeria football, following the excellent performance of some home boys at the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. Surely, the reward for our success in South Africa will be more work on the part of all of us, the NFF, the State FAs, the Leagues and our various Clubs.
“In football, you are as good as your last result. Today, we are the champions of Africa. To maintain that status, we need to work even harder than we have ever done previously. Staying at the top is a lot more difficult than getting there. But be assured that the NFF will always give the necessary support,” said Maigari.
The NFF President spoke at the opening ceremony of the Congress of the Nigeria Nationwide League, which held at the West Point Hotel, Abuja, yesterday.
The Honourable Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi was represented by the Director of Grassroot Sports Development, Mallam Alhassan Yakmut, who laced his address with encomiums for Maigari and the NFF for the Super Eagles’ triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
Maigari is the first man to preside over Nigeria football at a time the nation is champion of Africa at both junior and senior levels. The U-20 National Team, Flying Eagles, is set to defend its continental crown at the African Youth Championship in Algeria next month.
Also at the Natonwide League’s congress opening ceremony were Hon. Godfrey Ali Gaiya, chairman of the House of Reps’ Committee on Sports, NFF Executive Committee members, Alhaji Yusuf Fresh and Mrs Dilichukwu Onyedinma, NFF General Secretary, Barr. Musa Amadu, Director of Technical, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme and Director of Competitions, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi. President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Eng. Sani Ndanusa was represented by the President of Traditional Sports Association.
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.
-
Business1 day agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
News2 days agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business1 day agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers1 day agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Rivers1 day agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
Business1 day agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Rivers1 day agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH
-
News2 days agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers