Sports
Candidates Reject Anambra FA Election
Enyimba’s keeper, Theophilus Afelokhai in action against Pillars on Wednesday.
One of the chairmanship
candidates into the Anambra State Football Association (ASFA), Olisa Aniuno, has rejected the May 3, election conducted into the board.
The Tidesports reports that the election, earlier scheduled for May 4, was conducted by the Ephraim Chukwuemeka-led committee in the early hours of May 3.
“I went to the screening, passed the screening, they sent me a text telling me that the screening was successful, that I am eligible to contest, that the election will take place on May 4.
“But what they did was to go to a hotel and decided that election is going on, with proxy delegates and all kinds of people there, saying that they are voting.
“And why were they rushing to be able to do a secret election that nobody knows about, to me it is laughable there was no election in Anambra state into the FA.
“And, we are hoping that very soon proper election will be conducted, but what happened was just sheer foolishness on the part of the so called electoral committee.
“What it portends for Anambra football is total destruction of Anambra football, because we had hoped that there will be a credible FA.
“I just don’t understand why people will want to visit such calamity on a state like Anambra that should be the home of Nigerian football.’’
Aniuno said he was waiting for the official statement on the election and demanded that the result sheet should be made public.
“I cannot support an illegality, as far as I am concerned no election took place, so I am waiting for their official announcement of the so called election that they did.
‘And when they put it up on their website and as a candidate, they should give me the result sheet of the election that took place.
“And the committee should officially come out with their communiqué that they had an election.
“Because I was not there I was not notified of the election so what am I petitioning or what am I challenging?’’
Another candidate, Obiefuna Akonam, said the election would not stand as it was a “show of shame ‘.
He urged the NFA under the leadership of Amaju Pinnick to act honourably and ensure that Anambra football did not further plunge into crisis as a result of flawed election process.
On his part, Ifeanyi Ubah who was announced winner in the election said it was a privilege and honour for him to be involved in the process.
It’s a step in the right direction, for me and it is an honour as well to be involved in this process.
“If I don’t have the capacity to be involved in this process or be involved in this position I wouldn’t have vied for it.’’
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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