Sports
NFF Crisis: SWAN Condemns Giwa Group
Following the recent crisis
rocking Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, owing to the court case re-opened by Chief Chris Giwa and his co-travellers challenging the authenticity of the Amaju Pinnick led board, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN has condemned the activities of the Giwa led group.
The condemnation was part of an eight-point communiqué issued by the association and signed by Patrick Omorodion and Thaddeus Yilman after its Emergency Full Council Meeting held in Ilorin, Kwara State at the weekend.
SWAN condemned the Chris Giwa led group in the lingering crisis threatening the peace of the nation’s football and called on the Sports Minister, Solomon Delung to take a decisive step to put an end to what it describes as a national embarrassment. The association also urged all stakeholders in sports to eschew personal aggrandizement and allow for the development of sports in the country, especially, during this Olympic year.
The Sports Minister and Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) were tasked to ensure proper and adequate preparation for Team Nigeria’s successful participation at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games to avoid a repeat of the 2012 disastrous outing in London.
The meeting inaugurated a 7-man electoral committee headed by Yusuf Isa of Yobe State to plan and conduct election for the next National Executive Committee within 90 days and ratified the removal of Justice Udousoro as the South South Zonal Vice President while the Acting Vice President, Honour Sirawoo was confirmed Vice President of the zone.
SWAN further commended Chief Donatus Agu-Ejidike on his investiture as the Pillar of sports in Nigeria and thanked him for instituting an insurance scheme for Sports journalists in the country.
Gabriel Nwanetanya
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.