Sports
NPL: SWAN Congratulates, Charges Owumi
The newly elected chairman of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL), Prince Davidson Owumi, has been congratulated by members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Enugu state branch, even as they described him “as a square peg in a square hole.”
In a statement issued in Enugu and made available to sports writers at the weekend by the state secretary of the body, Mr. Ignatius Okpara, the organisation, applauded the transparent and peaceful manner in which the poll was conducted.
The Association, also expressed the hope that the new NFL chairman would use his wealth of experience in the round leather game to turn around the bastardised nation’s soccer regulatory body.
SWAN was also of the view that that having played and managed the game of soccer, the Delta state born football administrator and tactician has all it takes to take the nation’s domestic league to the next level.
“AS a player, and seasoned football administrator who has seen it all in the game of soccer, we believe and have no doubt in our minds that with the support and encouragement of all major stake holders in the foot ball business, Owumi, would deliver”
The Association equally believed that going by the former Rangers FC of Enugu player and manager’s antecedent and pedigree as far as football administration is concerned in Nigeria, it is obvious to say that the nation domestic league is in for a new dawn, adding that it is only by engaging the right person as Owumi in such a position that the nation football could be moved forward.
“While assuring the brand new NFL boss, who is also one of the Enugu SWAN patrons of our support and cooperation at all times”, the Association urged him to immediately start putting in place progammes that would assist in making the nation’s domestic league once attractive like it used to be in the 70s and 80s. NFL must do every thing humanly possible to ensure that the nation’s soccer fans return back to all the stadia, because the laying of much emphasis on the foreign leagues has done more harm than good to our football”, he further stressed.
The organisation, however, advised the new NFL chairman, to beware of sycophants if he wants to succeed in office, just as they want him to take the issue of soccer hooliganism and alleged corruption among match officers very seriously.
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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