Sports
Buhari Summons NFF Over Falcons’ Protest
The Nigerian Presidency has summoned President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick and his top officials following a protest march by the country’s women’s team.
Pinnick has also divided his executive committee after he unilaterally decided to contest for a seat on the executive committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) next year.
The Falcons have been pressing for their entitlements since they won the women’s AFCON about a fortnight ago in Cameroon.
Earlier today, the chief of staff at the Presidency Abba Kyari addressed the team when they stormed the National Assembly to protest the non-payment of their entitlements by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
He promised they will be paid this week.
The Falcons led by skipper Rita Chikwelu displayed various placards to kick against the shabby treatment they have been subjected to by the NFF.
The Falcons have embarked on a sit-in protest at the Abuja hotel since they won a record eighth women’s AFCON almost a fortnight ago.
They have also held on to the trophy they won at the expense of hosts Cameroon, insisting they first be paid off.
They have defied the assurances of sports minister Solomon Dalung, who famously admitted no provision was made to pay them because officials did not expect them to win the championship in Cameroon.
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.
-
News1 day agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business15 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers14 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Nation1 day agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
News1 day agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers14 hours agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH
-
Rivers14 hours agoLGSC Boss Commits To Better Service Delivery
-
Rivers14 hours agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta