Sports
Referees Want Independent Body To Assess Performance
Chairman, Lagos State Football Referees Association, Adesegun Kosoko, at the weekend called for the inauguration of an independent body to assess the performance of referees in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Kosoko told newsmen in Lagos that the development had left many stakeholders disenchanted about the game, adding that it had affected its development.
He spoke against the backdrop of the recurring accusation by football fans that referees were responsible for poor officiating of matches in the competition.
“Although the NPFL is still rated as one of the best in Africa, there is need for us to install measures that will sustain the current standard and improve on it from this 2012/2013 season.
“The dissatisfaction of stakeholders with the league should be curtailed by having an ad-hoc committee which will go round the match venues to assess the performances of referees
“As an independent body, they will have the power to call to order any erring referee and bring sanity into the game of soccer,’’ Kosoko said.
The referees boss called for regular training of referees to acquaint them with the ever-evolving rules of the game by FIFA.
“Ordinarily, there should be training for coaches and referees to be at par with FIFA standards, because many of them have not attended training for years,’’ he said.
According to him, the football coaches that complain about bad officiating only try to drum up sentiments to cover their incompetence, after losing a match.
He urged referees to be mindful of the people’s expectations from them, advising them to always make fair judgments.
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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