Sports
Baribote Denies NFA Ban
Former Chairman of the Ni
gerian Premier League (NPL), Victor Baribote, has denied ever receiving a letter effecting his purported 15-year ban from football-related activities.
Baribote told newsmen in Abuja, that the ban was of no effect since he had not yet been served with the letter of his ban.
He said that he would take the necessary steps to seek redress regarding his purported ban.
He said: “Tell them that I have not received it (the letter banning him).
“No NFA person will tell you that the organisation has issued me a letter.
“NFA must be represented by a person. Who is that person and who sent it? By which means?
“Until I receive it I cannot make a comment. I will not make a comment on anything about football matter until I receive it.’’
Baribote dismissed the ban as a “joke’’.
He added that the argument by the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) that newspaper publications could serve as a means of informing him about the ban“is lacking force of law”.
Emeka Inyama-led Committee set up by the NFA had slammed a 15-year-ban on Baribote over an allegation he levelled against the NFA chairman, Alhaji Aminu Maigari.
According to the Committee, Baribote’s ban from all football related activities was due to his taking football matters to court.
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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