Sports
2018/2019 NWPL Season To Commence July 17
The 2018/2019 Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) season has been scheduled to kick-off 17 of this month across the federation.
This was made available in a communiqué made available to Tidesports, Thursday, in a press release which had it that the date was fixed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in the 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Reno Hotel, dated 27 June, 2019.
The meeting which was attended by the NFF President, Pinnic Amaju, represented by the second Vice President Malam Shehu Dikko in the company of the Chairman of Chairmen, an Executive member of the board of the NFF, Alhaji, Gusau and some state FA chairmen.
It was reached that the 2018/2019 league season shall be played on an abridged league format basis of 4 clubs each in four groups, to make up for lost times and t also properly fund the indemnities of the season.
Winners of each of the four groups will play a super 4 to determine the over winner of the 2018/2019 league season.
It was also decided that the last team in each of the 4 groups will go for a play off to ascertain the (2) two teams that will be relegated to the pro-league at the end of the 2018/2019 league season.
That commencement date of the 2018/2019 league season is fixed for 17 July, of this year.
It is was also carried that the NWFL chairperson briefed the congress on the technical support programme and the bi-lateral signed with La-Liga to develop the Nigeria Women Football League, with an arraignment to have the winner of 2018/2019 NWFL season travel to Spain on an arranged international tournament, which will be on a yearly basis.
Also, a congress approved caution fees for the 2018/2019 League season to be 5,000 for yellow card and N10,000 for Red card.
All indebted clubs are given a grace period of up to 10th of July, 2019 to pay up fully or be expelled out of the league.
Clubs are advised to pay all the outstanding players salaries and give priority to the welfare of their players. Clubs owning players are advised to pay the players or be sanctioned.
It was also said that, congress passed an absolute vote of confidence on the Aisha Falode-led board of the NWFL.
Meanwhile, the communiqué drafting Committee were Mr. Joe Amene-chairman, Itenrietta Ukaigwe, member and Emmanuel Zira as secretary.
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.