Sports
FIFA Considers Nigeria For U20 Women’s World Cup Hosting
Federation of International Football Association (Fifa) is considering a bid from Nigeria for the hosting rights of the U20 Women’s World Cup for next year.
India and South Korea submitted bids for the 2020 U20 Women’s World Cup with the former named the 2020 U17 Women’s World Cup hosts in March.
Now, Fifa is reportedly looking beyond the Asian continent for the host of the U20 women’s event, hence Nigeria has a chance to become the first to stage a Fifa women’s tournament in Africa.
Sources close to Nigerian government authorities have disclosed that a bid was submitted following the reopening of the bidding process which initially elapsed last September.
In 2009, Nigeria successfully staged the 13th edition of the Fifa U17 World Cup which was won by Switzerland, with the Golden Eaglets finishing as runners-up, a success they aim to leverage on.
“We’ve [Nigeria] tendered a bid to host the Fifa U-20 Women’s World Cup and we believe we stand a bright chance of winning the hosting rights,” a source told newsmen.
“It has been a while, about 10 years now that we last hosted a major tournament. We think getting to host this tournament will be the beginning of great things for Nigeria sports, not just football.
“Many will be worried about Ahmad Ahmad and Amaju Pinnick’s fallout at Caf but Nigeria still has a strong presence in the international community of football. Let’s wait and see”, he said.
Corroborating development, a top NFF official close to Fifa confirmed officials of the world governing body are scheduled to visit the country next month for an inspection.
“Fifa are indeed considering handing Nigeria hosting rights of the 2020 U-20 Women’s World Cup,” the NFF official said.
“Fifa are also sending their officials here for an inspection tour in August and they will also support us to host with at least $4m.
“This will not be a burden to the Nigeria government when you eventually get the hosting rights. It’s an opportunity to develop our sporting infrastructures across the country”, he said.
Nigeria has participated in all the previous nine editions of the 16-nation competition and progressed to the final twice, before losing to Germany on the two occasions.
Japan are the defending champions of the U20 Women’s World Cup following their 3-1 final triumph over Spain in France in 2018.
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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