Sports
‘NFF Has Overcome Olympic Disappointment’
The 1st Vice President, Nigeria Football Federation, Seyi Akinwunmi, says he is at a loss over the failure of the U-23 men’s national team and the Super Falcons to qualify for this year’s Olympics in Japan, admitting his disappointment, while also adding that the NFF had moved on from the disappointment.
It will be an awkward situation for Nigerian football when the Olympics kick off in the far-east in July as the country’s U-23 male and female football teams failed to qualify for the football event of the quadrennial games.
Imama Amakpabo led the country’s U-23 team to an ill-fated AFCON campaign in Egypt, where they didn’t only fail to qualify for the last four after coming third behind South Africa and Ivory Coast in Group B, but also failed as reigning champions to successfully defend their title.
For the Falcons, a two-legged clash against the Ivorians saw them lost out on away goals after a goalless draw in the first leg in Abidjan was followed by a 1-1 draw in the return leg at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.
But, Akinwunmi is unfazed, insisting the federation is looking towards the future.
“I can’t tell you why we got it wrong. I can’t, I don’t know why, but I admit we had lots of factors that contributed to it. The issue is that it is a culmination of many things. It was tough administratively for us and economically too,’’ he said.
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.