Sports
Hooliganism: Referee Advocates Sanction Against FAs, Clubs
A retired FIFA Referee,
Taiwo Osawe, has called for sanctions against state Football Associations (FA) and clubs who fail to provide adequate security for match officials and visiting teams.
Osawe told newsmen last week in Benin that his call for sanctions was to curb the increasing hooliganism in Nigerian football.
He also expressed dismay over the Nigerian Nationwide League (NNWL) board’s decision to sanction only Ekiti United FC in the attacks on match officials.
“I observe with dismay the decision by the NNWL board concerning the attack on Spartan FC and banishing Ekiti United to Ibadan with fines.
“Whereas the decision taken on the attack on match officials which necessitated Nigerian Referee Association (NRA) withdrawing their members was silent.
“We want to know the outcome of the referee’s issue,’’ he said.
It will be recalled that the NRA recently issued a statement directing its members to stop officiating in NNWL matches following the growing cases of attacks on match officials.
The club’s supporters recently attacked NRA members during matches at Ado Ekiti in Ekiti, Nnewi in Anambra and Delta.
But Osawe commended the Alhaji Tade Azeez-led NRA for the precautionary decision on the matter to protect match officials.
He also appealed to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), League Management Company, NNWL and the Women’s League boards to sanction host FAs and clubs who fail to provide adequate security for officials and visiting clubs.
“We will no longer accept the cosmetic assurances during pre-match meetings and the decision to lodge match officials by host teams should be discouraged,’’ he said.
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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