Sports
Nigeria Reports Match Agents To FIFA
Nigeria and Colombia are to report Pro-Global sports, the Match Agent for today’s pre-World Cup friendly, to FIFA for irresponsible behaviour.
The game, originally scheduled to be played at West Ham’s Upton Park, was on the brink of collapse, after the agents allegedly failed to meet up with their committments.
It was subsequently shifted to Luton Town’s stadium before both parties settled for Milton Keynes.
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Media Officer, Ademola Olajire explained that the fixture was rescued, only when the Nigeria federation volunteered to underwrite the expenses of the Colombians, including the appearance fee they were promised by the agent.
“To avoid what would have been a catastrophic blow and a national embarrassment, the NFF have now stepped in, undertaking to meet all financial obligations of organising the match, including all the costs of the Colombians and the appearance fee that Pro–Global Sports had promised them.
“The agents kept telling us that everything was under control, providing documentation in support of their claims, and it was not until a delegation of the NFF visited London recently that alarm bells started ringing,” he said.
Olajire confirmed that the game will now definitely go ahead as planned, at Milton Keynes, but without paying spectators.
“All arrangements have been made, and the match will now be played at the Milton Keynes Stadium, albeit with no commercial crowd attendance due to the short time frame.”
The 22,000 -capacity Milton Keynes Stadium is one 15 stadia that has been put forward by England to host the 2018 World Cup finals should their bid be successful.
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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