Sports
Ikhana Slams NFF Over Confederation Cup Ticket
The Technical Manager of Sharks FC of Port Harcourt, Kadiri Ikhana has described the decision of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to award the second slot for the Confederation Cup competition to Warri Wolves, instead of Sharks as an error of judgement.
Ikhana, who spoke in a telephone chat with Tidesports yesterday said that the decision that overlooked Sharks FC which are runners-up in the Federation Cup is “one man decision which not taken in the interest of the country.”
The Sharks FC boss said that a precedent exists in the situation and that Sharks’ case should not be different.
He noted that there was still hope for Sharks FC stating that the matter was not concluded yet.
The media officer of the club, Confidence Idaa in a related development, said the report is controversial and expressed worry why the ticket should be given to Warri Wolves instead of Sharks FC.
Waa continued that the decision to over look Sharks was political and that it remains an unfortunate and unhappy development for Nigerian football.
Tidesports however gathered that the NFF may have been informed through intensive lobby to give the continental ticket to the Warri team.
A Football Federation source told Tidesports that according to the statutes, neither Sharks nor by their positions in the league and Federation Cup and there is no law to form the basis for a fool proof decision.
“Warri Wolves may have lobbied better than Sharks,” the source stated.
Wolves ended fourth in the Globacom Premier League while Sharks ended as runners up to Enyimba in the Federation Cup.
Kadiri Ikhana
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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