Sports
Football Fans Call For NFF Overhaul
Football fans in Ondo
State have blamed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for Nigeria’s exit from 2017 African Cup of Nations competition and called for “total overhaul’’ of the federation.
Tidesports recalls that the Super Eagles fell 0-1 to the Pharaohs of Egypt in Alexandra in the return leg of their qualification match on Tuesday. Both teams drew 1-1 in Kaduna in the first leg.
In separate telephone interviews, the fans told Tidesports in Okitipupa, that NFF toyed with the qualification by sacking Stephen Keshi in preference for Sunday Oliseh.
The fans also kicked against the plan by the federation to employ a foreign coach for the Super Eagles, saying that that was not the solution to the problem.
Kayode Bamiduro, a radio sports presenter, said that Nigeria’s failure to qualify for AFCON for two consecutive times was an embarrassment, and insisted that the NFF should be overhauled.
“The NFF should bow their head in shame because they are responsible for this embarrassment; I think the NFF needs total overhauling.
“The current leadership of NFF should give way for people who have knowledge of football and the interest of the country at heart to pilot the affairs,’’ Bamiduro said.
Another sports analyst, Oluwatoyin Olafusi, attributed the sack of Keshi to Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the competition billed for Gabon.
“I predicted this before the sack of Keshi; we warned then but they did not listen. The NFF’s honeymoon with inexperienced Oliseh did not do us any good at all,’’ Olafusi said.
Michael Akintunde, a football fan, said that the services of a foreign coach would worsen the situation.
“The economic situation now does not warrant the services of a foreign coach; I think that Samson Siasia has what it takes to pilot the Super Eagles to winning ways,’’ he said.
Another fan, Wole Omosule, urged coaches and ex-internationals to hold a conference to chart a new course for football generally, in the country.
He added that employing the services of a foreign coach would not solve any problems, adding that local coaches could solve the generational problems.
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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