Sports
NFF’s Budget Spending Excites Senate
The Senate Committee on
Sports has commended the Nigeria Football Federation for the proper utilisation of the money allocated to them in 2013.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports and Social Development, Senator Adamu Ibrahim Gumba praised the managerial acumen of the Aminu Maigari-led NFF, stating that in spite of the financial challenges they faced the federation still worked hard to ensure the various national teams prepared adequately for international competitions.
“I must commend the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation,” Gumba said when NFF officials led by general secretary, barrister Musa Amadu, appeared before the committee to present its 2013 budget performance and defend its 2014 budget proposal.
“Our national teams won so many laurels from international championships last year and even Mr. President (Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR) was so elated each time that he hosted the teams and rewarded them for doing the country proud.”
“We won the Africa Cup of Nations, won the FIFA U-17World Cup and the Super Eagles qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
“We also won trophies from international friendly matches against Catalonia and South Africa, and our U-17 and U-20 women teams qualified for the FIFA U-17 and FIFA U-20 Women World Cup competitions taking place this year. Let us also not forget that our country represented Africa at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.
“This committee is very happy with the performance of the NFF in the year 2013 and we charge them to maintain the same tempo, or even do better, in this year 2014.”
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.