Sports
Ruling On NFF ’ll Re-shape Nigerian Football – NANF
As some Nigerians continue to have divided opinion on the Supreme Court ruling on the leadership tussle of Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), President of the National Association of Nigerian Footballers (NANF), Harrison Jala, says the order would go a long way in re-shaping the nation’s soccer system.
An order by the Supreme Court to the warring factions of the NFF to return to the Federal High Court in Jos for the expeditious hearing of their matter has raised dust, with lawyers to both parties singing different tunes. The five-man panel of the court, led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, had unanimously set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Jos, which held that the case could no longer be relisted before the Federal High Court having been earlier with drawn by the appellant, Chris Giwa.
Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, Jala said that there was no confusion on the Supreme Court ruling saying: “In my opinion AmajuPinnick was never in office in the eyes of the law. This was sequel to a federal high court order restraining the NFF electoral committee from conducting the purported Warri election through which the Pinnick board emerged.
“The position of the law is clear. Pinnick should no longer parade himself as president of the NFF because his election having been annulled by a court of competent jurisdiction will tantamount to contempt of court.
“I see a brighter future for Nigerian football through this Supreme Court ruling. Pinnick is my brother from the same Delta State, but I will advise him to do the needful by taking a walk. His legal team might be doing everything possible to see that he remains in office, but I want to believe that the hide-and-seek game is up,” Jala stated.
Asked if the Supreme Court ruling could have any negative impact on Super Eagles’ World Cup programmes in Russia, Jala said: “Anybody preaching such gospel is just deceiving Nigerians.
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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