Sports
NFF, Globacom Part Company
After five years of a sometimes stormy partnership, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Globacom have finally parted ways.
Globacom’s N150 million sponsorship of the Nigerian national teams came to an end on Tuesday December 8, and with both parties failing to agree on the valuation of the properties, the relationship was finally severed.
According to Idris Adama, NFF’s Head of Marketing, the Globacom valuation of the property fell far short of what the NFF value is.
“They had a right for first refusal in the contract, and we offered the property to them at N1 billion. They came back to us with N 165 million, that is a 10 percent increase on the former contract,” Adama told Tidesports’ source.
The NFF rejected the offer out of hand, and on Tuesday, they sent a letter of appreciation to Globacom thanking the company for its meritorious service to Nigeria football within its short span of existence.
In a letter signed by Deputy General Secretary (General Services), Barrister Musa Amadu, the NFF stated: “We wish to formally inform you that our contractual relationship has today 8th December, 2009 legally terminated.
“We also acknowledge your immense support and contribution through various sponsorship drives on the overall development of football in Nigeria. Indeed, we feel honoured to have been your partner in this laudable venture of advancing the cause of the game of football in Nigeria.
“While acknowledging with thanks all your support in the last five years, we do sincerely wish you success in your future endeavours while assuring you that the Nigeria Football Federation will definitely build on the gains thus far acquired.”
Globacom, Nigeria’s national carrier, had signed a five-year agreement with the then NFA back in December 2004 for exclusive sponsorship rights to all the national teams and the contract expires legally on Wednesday.
Globacom has done much to support Nigeria football at home and abroad, and is today the proud sponsor of the annual African Football Awards, which rewards the best footballers of African extraction in different areas of the game.
Globacom also sponsors the elite Premier League on the domestic scene.
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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