Sports
LMC’s Director, Matori Evasive On NPFL’s Revised Schedule
A director of the League Management Company, Isa Matori is evasive regarding the purported league’s revised schedule on the social media but enjoined the media to wait for the official pronouncement from the league’s body.
Sources disclosed that the Nigeria Professional Football League 2017/18 season will now end on October 28 after over two months hiatus brought about by the leadership crisis in the Nigeria Football Federation.
It was also stated by the same sources that the season is to continue from September second with Matchday 25 games and the amended dates in the revised schedule for the 2018 season indicates that matches will be played both weekends and mid-weeks to ensure that the season ends by the last week in October.
There will be six mid-week matchday fixtures for Matchdays 26, 28, 30, 31, 33 and 35 while the 2018 Federation Cup games are to come along the way also.
In an interview with Isa Matori who is a League Management Company director, he did not deny nor approve of the date in the revised schedule for the season but admitted that Club Owners and LMC directors had a discussion regarding that in one of their social media platforms.
He said the date in circulation in the social media is not sacrosanct yet and that everyone should be patient for the league organizers to make a pronouncement on it.
“I will not like to make any comment on it because pronouncement of such magnitude must come from the right channel which is through the LMC. Tidesports source.
“What I can say on it is that Club Owners and some LMC directors had some deliberations and certain date but it has not been rubber-stamped because it has not been approved by all. I will advise the media hold on a little while the LMC makes a statement on it.
“I know that with the advent of social media there is nothing hidden for long but what I have told you is the true fact. The LMC and the Club Owners must come to a roundtable and agree on the date,” Tidesports source.
“I know that with the league being on recess for over two months all clubs are eager for it to continue. Things must be done the right way.”
The last league fixtures were decided on June 10 before the league proceeded on break for the 2018 World Cup and to resume on July 18 but upheaval in the leadership of the NFF has forced the league resumption to be postponed.
With the adjustment in the programmes of Confederation of African Football for the 2018-19 season which will now run from August to May next year the NPFL season must be concluded before the start of November when the preliminary rounds will be held to prevent Nigerian teams’ disqualification.
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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