Sports
Super Eagles Ouster: Fans Want NFF Dissolved
As Nigerians react to the country’s ouster from the World Cup on Tuesday, a Lagos-based soccer fans organisation has called for the dissolution of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board.
The Super Eagles were ousted after a 2-2 draw in Durban with Korea Republic, having failed to win a match in their Group B three games.
Members of the group, “Football for Fun’’, stormed the National Stadium, Lagos with placards demanding that the board and the team be overhauled.
They also want ex-footballers to manage the country’s football as administrators and coaches.
Olatunbosun Akande, founder of the organisation, told newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos that they represented the Nigerian youth and therefore, wanted a reformation of the NFF.Akande said: “We want a total reformation of the NFF and people that know the background of the players should be allowed to groom them and not a foreign coach’’.
He also said there was a need to improve the Nigeria Premier League so that players could be exposed to quality soccer and be prepared for the national team.
“Nigerians are passionate about football, it is fun for all but unfortunately, politics has affected the game in the country and that is why we are here today to voice out our mind.’’
Akande advised that preparation for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil should commence immediately.
The protesters carried placards some of which read, “Disband NFF’’, “We don’t want foreign coaches’’, “We want ex-footballers as members of NFF’’ and “Begin early preparation for 2014’’.
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.