Sports
Akinwunmi Heads NFF’s Team To Discuss Rohr’s Stay
The Nigerian Football Federation first Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi, will head a committee of five members to discuss Gernot Rohr’s new deal as Super Eagles coach.
Rohr’s current deal with the NFF expires in June 2020 and talks over a new contract have been scheduled for February.
According to NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, Rohr will be offered a new deal considering the federation’s current situation.
“We don’t want to put our team in jeopardy,” Amaju Pinnick said.
“So in the next few weeks, the first Vice President (Seyi Akinwunmi) who is on the legal team, will lead a committee with chairmen of Technical, Establishment, Marketing, Secretary-General and Head of Legal to sit down with him (Rohr) physically and look at the nitty-gritty and tell him, ‘Look at our situation. Can you do this and that?’ If he says yes, why not? Whether we like it or not, he has done quite a lot. But like I always say to him, he cannot take this credit alone.
“If we did not provide an enabling environment for him, he will not find it easy. Also, we have made sure that we do not miss any FIFA window and we don’t just play what my friend Kojo Williams calls ‘Alamala’ matches.
Asked if Rohr would be offered a pay cut to keep his job, Pinnick replied, “No discussion on that yet.”
“Why I have the loyalty of the NFF committees is that they take decisions that are strategic and they bring it to me. This is a very sensitive question.
“But beyond that, we must respect what’s in a contract. We have a contract with him till June and you will recall that we did not even wait till the (2018) World Cup before we signed an extension with him. Now, I have a very cordial relationship with him, very cordial,” Pinnick added.
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.