Sports
Dolphins Set For Favourable CAF Decision
There is a ray of hope for
Dolphins Football Club as regards their protest to the Confederation of Africa Football, CAF, against the purported walk over by Club Africain in their game over the weekend.
After a long drawn out protest saga by Dolphins, through the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF international department, it seems CAF will make a decision that favours Dolphins.
According to letter from a Deputy Director at CAF in the competitions department, Khaled Naddar, dated March, 16, 2015, “Reference to the above mentioned match which was initially scheduled on 14th March 2015; we would like to request your team Dolphins to stay in Tunis until a decision is reached and communicated to you.”
There have been series of emails, and telephone conversations between officials of the team, the NFF and CAF as regards this issue and this letter from CAF gives a ray of hope.
Dolphins are protesting their walk over by Club Africain even though they arrived in the country in good time for the game, after late departure though.
However, the team was delayed at the airport for two hours and then taken on a merry go round on the streets of Tunisia before arriving at the stadium after walk over formalities had been concluded.
Dolphins had written to CAF through the NFF, before departure from Lagos requesting the game to be moved from Saturday, March 14 to Sunday March 15.
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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