Sports
FIFA, CAF Sign Pact On Football Dev
African and world soccer governing bodies, CAF and FIFA, respectively, have signed a major cooperation agreement to strengthen joint work for the development of football in Africa.
The agreement was signed in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, a day before the final of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by the central African nation.
“There are already many partnerships between the two bodies, as there is between FIFA and the other continents, but this time a number of priorities have been set:
– Technology and Education (training of trainers/licensing, development of refereeing, grassroots football, juniors, boys and girls);
– Grant of club licencing, registration of players with license from first club;
– Management and administration: administrative expertise and promoting good governance at clubs and leagues;
– Sports Medicine Development:
CAF said “through the collaboration, FIFA and CAF intend to create synergy and strengthen links between their respective development programmes and activities in order to maximise the benefits and to provide African associations tailored local solutions.’’
In a speech at the event, FIFA President Sepp Blatter defined the spirit of the cooperation, recalling that “sometimes it is good to sign documents even though they do not appear necessary’’.
He highlighted the very good relations between FIFA and CAF and also between himself and CAF President Issa Hayatou.
Blatter recalled that Article 2 of the FIFA Statutes was the first point of the development of football, for the youth and for humanistic virtues, and that the organisation of competitions comes second.
“Football must be a social and cultural development factor. It should help create a better world,’’ said Blatter.
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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