Sports
NFSC Appoints Monarch Grand Patron
The Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC) says the traditional ruler of Idjerhe Kingdom in Delta State, King Monday Whiskey, has been appointed the Grand Patron of the club.
According to it, Whiskey’s appointment is based on his various unflinching support to the club.
The National Chairman of NFSC, Rev. Samuel Ikpea told newsmen in Lagos on Monday that the traditional ruler is also a revered journalist who is an asset to the nation.
“We went to the town of the traditional ruler, Jesse town, with some delegation with our traditional trademark of drumming, dancing and exhibiting skills reminiscent of what we do during national team’s support.
“The king was commended for his wealth of experience and therewith conferred the title as Grand Patron, with his certificate.
“He was also decorated with NFSC’s paraphernalia after his citation was read.
“The king has been of immense support to us, encouraging and always praying for our success during our assignments,” he said.
Justifying the appointment of the traditional ruler as the Grand Patron of the club, Ikpea said that the group got instant benefit as they were assured of more support.
“His Royal Highness has assured us of improved support home and abroad; he also promised that we should count on his support when the need arises.
“What we need is synergy. We need to synergise to ensure that in every nook and cranny of this country, we preach the gospel of oneness; we preach the gospel of sports.
“He encouraged us to assert our unblemished pedigree and ensure we use it as an instrument to reach those who need help and those who need favour. There’s a difference between help and favour.
“He also promised to heed to our call whenever the needs arises and told us not hesitate to call on him, be it within or outside Nigeria,” he explained to NAN.
Ikpea said that the NFSC had remained a unified group since its establishment and was committed to expanding to all the states of the federation and by extension, making it a global brand.
“We are the members of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, and this club has been in existence since 1955.
“The club was formed by a Nigerian; in fact, he was a British citizen, Mr Deji Allen and his wife.
“The club has over 22 registered chapters in Nigeria. We have chapters virtually in all over Africa, in Europe and indeed, the whole world.
“It is the only supporters club with this type of culture. Even in Brazil, when they play football, they don’t have this kind of supporters club,’’ he said.
Ikpea said the club had won both the FIFA and CAF “Best Behaved and Entertaining Supporters Club Awards’’ respectively.
“In all our existence, one would not hear that there had been anywhere it members had been to and were bad ambassadors of the country.
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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