Sports
Football Kiddies Camping Is To Transform Girl-Child – Mmadu
The Founder of Maureen Mmadu Football Kiddies Camping, (MMFKC), Maureen Mmadu, has identified discipline, dedication and determination as catalyst for the girl-child to excel.
She stated that any girl-child who possesses these qualities would surely stand out in the midst of others.
Mmadu said this yesterday, in a telephone interview with Tidesports, at the ongoing Maureen Mmadu football Kiddies Camping, in Onitsha, Anambra State.
According to her, this is the second edition of the event, adding that the major reason of organising the camping is to give the girl child a sense of direction and enable them realise their dreams and aspirations through football.
“This is the second edition of this event, the first was held 17th December, 2020.
“I do this because I want to give the girl-child an opportunity to stand out, in terms of making them to realise their dreams through football.
You know many parents don’t allow their girl-child to play football, as they believe that football is for boys only,” Mmadu said.
Mmadu, former captain of Super Falcons, said the camping did not end on football, but they were also taught on how to comport themselves as women, worship God and importance of education, while playing football.
“I am telling parents to allow their girl-child to play football.
Apart from football, we also teach them morals, dancing, singing and other things that can make the girl-child exceptional in the society,” she stated.
The founder uses the forum to appeal for sponsorship of the programme, saying that sports development is for everybody.
Mmadu has been a long time captain of Super Falcons of Nigeria and also attended four Women World Cups and assistant coach of Super Falcons.
By: Tonye Orabere
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.