Sports
Nigeria Launches Football For Hope Festival Site In S’Africa
Nigeria has launched its
“Football For Hope Festival 2010” site where a team of Nigerian youths will battle their counterparts across the world during the South Africa 2010 World Cup.
The site was inaugurated by Danny Jordaan, the Chief Executive Officer of 20 10 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee.
Located in the Alexandra township, a suburb largely comprising the poor, the site will host matches among 32 teams in a five-a-side mixed soccer competition.
The 32 teams of boys and girls from disadvantaged communities worldwide will gather at the site for a festival of education, culture and football during the mundial.
Jordaan said the World Cup of Alexandra was one of hope, aspirations and dreams of young people across the globe.
“The World Cup is not only about big stars; there is another World Cup, that of Alexandra” he said, describing it as a tool for social development.
He said that the event must be used to build better people, better future and as an instrument of positive change in Africa.
FIF A’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Federico Addiechi, said the world football governing body was investing at least 0.7 per cent of its total revenue in social responsibility initiatives.
He said that FIFA’s choice of Alexandra for the tournament was based on its goal of using football as a tool for social change.
The Managing Director of Street Football World, Jurgen Griesbeck, said the festival would be a celebration of the contributions of football to development.
He said the participating teams would play five-a-side in 12-minute games without referees.
Nigeria’s team to the tournament would be selected by Search and Groom Youth Development Centre.
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.