Sports
NFF Rejects LMC’s Sack
The Nigeria Football Fed
eration (NFF)yesterday rejected a decision by club owners/managers in the premier league to sack the League Management Company (LMC), which was appointed by the association last year.
A statement signed by Ademola Olajire, Assistant Director (Media), NFA, quoted Aminu Maigari, President of the association as saying: “the League Management Company remains in place”.
It said the LMC was inaugurated by the NFA and granted a licence to administer the league on its behalf and could only be stopped by the association.
“I am shocked to hear about a meeting of club owners/managers, where they reportedly told the LMC to hand over to the secretariat of the league.
“That is not within their purview. It is the responsibility of the NFA to determine the fate of the LMC.
“The LMC has done well within the past 10 months, to reposition the premier league and they deserve commendation’’.
The statement noted that the club managers themselves admitted that the LMC brought several innovations to the running of the league. “Why would we want to throw all that away in a hurry?
“As far as the NFA, the supreme football-governing body in Nigeria, is concerned, the LMC remains firmly in place and will have the opportunity to continue its good work for a period to be determined shortly.’’
It urged the club owners to be focused on improving the structures of their teams, in line with the demands of professional football.
“Sincerely speaking, the NFA will always accord the club owners their regard and we see them as critical stakeholders in the development of the game in our country,’’ the statement added.
“The NFA has the prerogative on issues bordering on the running of the game in Nigeria and has not conceded this authority to any other group or body,’’ it said.
The statement added: “Should the club managers have any grouse with the way the league is being administered, they should approach the NFA with their misgivings’’.
It was gathered that a meeting of club owners was held in Abuja on October 30 at which they resolved to declare in their communiqué that the LMC’s tenure had expired and proceeded to announce the sack of the body.
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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