Sports
NPL Plans Close Monitoring Of League Matches
The management of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) in Abuja said that the 2009/2010 Premier League competition would be closely monitored in its last 10 weeks.
Malam Alhassan Yakmut, NPL Executive Secretary, told newsmen that the monitoring was essential as the competition would have entered a very crucial stage.
“By the beginning of the last 10 weeks of the league, we are going to commence full and more intense monitoring of the league because the competition is going to be tougher then.
“And, whoever is found wanting or engaging in untoward acts, will not be spared, whether he is a player or match official,’’ he said.
Sources close to The Tide On Sunday reports that the last 10 weeks of the 38-week league will begin from the week 29 matches scheduled to hold on April 17 and April 18.
Yakmut said there would be counter-intelligence efforts to check unwholesome practice by any club official “who wants to gain undue advantage, and any sharp practices by match official.”
“It is evident by now that the league competition this season is going to end in a photo-finish, going by what we had at the end of week 24.
“Therefore, we need to be on our toes to prevent a situation where undue and undeserved teams are crowned kings at the end of the day,’’ he said.
Speaking on efforts to get more sponsorship fund for the league, Yakmut said the NPL management had worked out modalities to expand its sponsorship and marketing outlets.
“We are aware that we run a very fragile business which deals with passion, and which can ultimately affect all efforts at making more money from sponsors and spectators.
“That is why we are not happy with all matters of litigation now, as well as sharp practices that can give people the impression that all is not well in our family.
“We are therefore exploring other frontiers of business and reaching out to the corporate world in areas we had hitherto not explored.
“ We are sure positive changes are going to emerge very soon,’’ he said.
The Tide On Sunday gathers that the league began on Sept. 20, 2009 and scheduled to end on June 6.
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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