Sports
Ogunjobi, Baribote Gets NFF Hammer
Rumson Baribote and Taiwo Ogunjobi have been handed lengthy bans by the Nigeria Football Federation.
Ousted League boss Rumson Baribote has been handed a 15-year ban from all football-related activities for unethical conduct which includes dragging the NFF to court to demand the dissolution of the interim Nigeria Premier League board.
Former NFF Head of Technical Committee, Ogunjobi, was handed a 10-year ban after he was implicated in a contractual mess which threatened to stall the career of Nigeria youth international Kayode Olarenwaju.
These sanctions were announced in a communique released by the NFF after an Executive Meeting held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, shortly before the Super Eagles squared off against the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia.
The decision to hand the lengthy bans to both men was based on the recommendations of a Chris Green-led investigative committee set up to look into offences in which they were implicated.
It was also announced through the communique that Adeleye Adepoju, the head of the NFF’s Organizing and Disciplinary Committee, has been suspended as a result of bribery allegations levelled against him.
The sanctions are expected to be ratified by the General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation, which is scheduled to take place on 28th of November in Warri Delta State.
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.