Sports
U-17 Age Saga, NFF To Be Blamed – Chairman
The Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Rivers State chapter, Honour Sirawoo has blamed the over age saga, trailing the Nigerian Under -17 team on the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
Sirawoo who made this known in a telephone chat with Tidesports, said the issue is regrettable as NFF has refused to learn from her past experience.
The SWAN chairman stated that the scan result that has resulted in the disqualification of 29 players is a big slap on NFF, saying that the association has refused to learn from the previous ban by the international body.
“Nigerian has refused to learn from their experience, so let us go to the World Youth Championship and fail, may be that will make us to learn,” he said.
In a related development, the National Vice President of SWAN, South-South, Gabriel Nwanetanya told Tidesports in an exclusive interview that the development is a setback for the country and should be guarded against.
Nwanetanya regarded it as an embarrassment to the country, stating that it may also cast doubt on the country’s past achievement in football competitions.
He blamed NFF for not restricting coaches to the expected age bracket during their selection, adding that the newly appointed coach, John Obu should be exonerated from the blame.
He reiterated that Nigerians should be ready to accept whatever performance the team would put up at the youths championship, billed to hold in Nigeria from October 24.
He continued that the “dropping of 29 players will affect the team in all areas,” as the newly selected players would find it difficult to blend in less than two 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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