Sports
Anambra FA Poll: Leave Obiano Out Of Campaign – Iloenyosi
Ex-international and a chairmanship aspirant for the Anambra Football Association elections, Chikelue Iloenyosi, has cautioned name droppers to leave Governor Willie Obiano out of their campaign in the build-up to the election.
Speaking in a media parley in Abuja, the ex-international who is the SA Security to the NFF President said Governor Obiano has not endorsed any aspirant for the top FA position.
Chikelue, who said he is in the race with a 14-point agenda that would make Anambra State great again as a home for football noted that the state has produced great football players and clubs like Udoji United, Jasper United, Gabros Int’l FC, etc has been in the doldrums in recent times.
“Name droppers should stop using the governor’s name. He has not endorsed anybody and has no intention to do so. In fact, our hard-working governor is not interested in who emerges as the next Chairman of the State FA, all he wants to see is someone who will return the state to her past glory in football.”
He noted that as an ex-international and administrator, he has worn the shoe and knows where it pinches, arguing that the problem the state is facing in making great impact in the nation’s football can only be addressed by someone who is passionate about the game and ready to commit both time and resources to take her back on achieving tracks.
According to him, “I have great contacts that will turn football in the state to a money spinner which will not only alleviate the problems of the actors but contribute immensely to the state’s economic development. This I will do by ensuring that the FA creates a conducive environment for tournaments that will give our youths the opportunity to ply their trade overseas.”
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had earlier set up a Caretaker Committee for the running of the affairs of the Anambra State Football Association, following the expiration of the tenure of the Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah-led executive team, and pending the conduct of fresh elections.
The Caretaker Committee is to administer the activities of the Anambra State Football Association and also conduct elections into the Board of Anambra State Football Association and the Anambra State Local Football Councils within three months.
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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