Sports
NFF Shifts Final Matches Women’s Pro League
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Wednesday in Abuja, said it had moved forward to May 31 the date of final matches in the 2009/2010 Women Professional League.
Danlami Alanana, Head of NFF’s Women Football Unit, told newsmen that the development was as a result of the Democracy Day activities of tomorrow.
The matches were earlier billed for Saturday to bring to a close the 18-week long competition which began in December 2009 with 20 clubs grouped into two.
“The date coincides with the Democracy Day which is a national day programme, as it is, most stadia across the country will be in use for one event or the other.
“Since we cannot guarantee a situation where the stadia will be available later in the day for the matches, we felt the best thing is to move the matches,’’ Alanana said.
He listed matches billed for the day to include the Group A fixtures such as Kogi Confluence versus FCT Queens in Lokoja and Ibom Angels versus Inneh Queens of Benin in Uyo.
Other Group A fixtures are Adamawa Queens versus Oguche Babes of Lokoja in Yola and State House Queens vs Nasarawa Amazons of Lafia in Abuja.
Group B fixtures have Bayelsa Queens of Yenagoa hosting Oyinlola Queens of Osogbo, Sunshine Queens of Akure versus Tokas Queens in Akure, NITO Queens of Ibadan hosting Tewo Queens and Delta Queens of Asaba hosting Rivers Angels.
The Delta Queens are the competition’s defending champions.
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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