Sports
Referee Wants More Women Professionals
Kanu Nwankwo
A world football govern
ing body, FIFA-badge referee, Uloma Nwogu, has called for the involvement of women in the refereeing profession to boost football development in the country.
Nwogu told newsmen in Abakaliki that refereeing was a rewarding call.
“I want to encourage women to embrace the art as it serves as a source of employment, recreation and enhancement of their mental ability.
“The number of female referees in the country is poor when compared to other sectors of the country,” said the Anambra-born female referee.
Nwogu urged women not to be discouraged by the challenges involved in refereeing but to approach it with determination, hard work and tenacity.
“The physical and mental rigours involved in the job are much but with determination, I was able to rise to FIFA-badge cadre,” she said.
Nwogu urged the Nigerian Referees Association (NRA) to embark on massive recruitment of female referees from the local government to the federal levels to encourage more women to develop interest in the art.
She noted that the involvement of more women in refereeing would help in checking hooliganism in the nation’s football.
According to her, fans appreciate the presence of female referees on pitches because they are less prone to acts that will incur their wrath.
“It will also ensure the development of more women to become match commissioners and members of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) board among others,” she said.
Nwogu officiated during the Ebonyi Federation Cup final between Ebonyi United and Bright Stars FC held last weekend in Abakaliki.
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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