Sports
NFF Pardons FIFA, LOC Over World Cup Flag Error
The Nigeria Football Fed
eration (NFF) says it bears no grudge against FIFA or the 2014 World Cup Local Organising Committee (LOC) for misrepresenting Nigeria at last Thursday’s opening ceremony.
The organisers of the soccer fiesta displayed the wrong flag while announcing Nigeria at the opening ceremony.
Instead of Nigeria’s flag, the Republic of Niger’s flag was projected at the middle of the pitch during the event.
The Secretary-General of the NFA, Musa Amadu, however, told newsmen on telephone in Abuja that the error was not intentional.
“If they called Nigeria and they raised Niger’s flag, it’s not a matter I can address from here.
“People that were there saw it and I know they will talk to FIFA about it. LOC and FIFA made an honest mistake.
“I know they (FIFA and the 2014 World Cup LOC) will apologise for their mistakes and that should be the end of the matter.
“Like I said, FIFA and the LOC for the World Cup made an honest mistake and I know they will correct it.
“Nobody is above human mistake, except if there is any in Nigeria,’’ Amadu said.
Nigeria’s flag features three vertical stripes, with a white stripe sandwiched between two green stripes, while Niger’s flag features three horizontal stripes.
The top stripe is orange, which sat above a white stripe and a green stripe, with an orange circle in the middle of the white stripe.
Niger which did not qualify for the World Cup is placed 112 on the latest FIFA rankings, while Nigeria, the current African champion is ranked 44th.
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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