Sports
Coach Expresses Joy Over NFF Suspension Escape
The Head Coach of Dia
mond Football Club of Port Harcourt, Nana Ben Peters has expressed joy over the escape of The Nigeria football Federation (NFF) from indefinite suspension by the international football governing body, FIFA.
He said that if Nigeria were suspended, it would have been a big blow to the Nigeria football federation most especially the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), adding that, footballers players in the NPFL would have gone to other countries to play their football.
Ben peters stated this, in an telephone interview, with Tide sports after the federal government wrote to FIFA that Amajupinnick led executive of the NFF.
FIFA had threatened to suspend Nigeria from all international competition if Nigeria football federation President, Amaju Pinnick and General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi were not given and their offices by 12 noon, Monday, August 2018.
An intervention by the federal government with a letter sent to FIFA on Monday morning to intimate the world soccer ruling body of their support for AmajuPinnick led executive of the NFF prevented the ban.
Coach Nana Ben Peters explained that he was particularly delighted when he heard the news that Nigeria has heard the news that Nigeria was not suspended.
“To be honest I was a bit worried with the whole issue but not anymore” the head coach said.
According to him, he is happy because of the players the suspension would have affected, adding that now we can work on improving the game in Nigeria and the NPFL can restart as well.
He called on all the stake- holders to come together and look for the good of the game, adding that the youth should have suffered, if Nigeria were to be banned, because of the misunderstanding in the NFF.
“ I’m happy for the players in particular who could have been affected by the ban and the youth too” Nana Ben Peter stated.
FIFA in a statement issued on Monday stated that the suspension of the NFF will not take effect after Pinnick and Sanusi were given back effective control of the NFF and its offices.
Kiadum Edookor
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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