Sports
NFF Top Official Joins Falconets For More Technical Support
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dispatched its Deputy General Secretary (Technical), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, to Germany, to strengthen technical and administrative support for Nigeria’s Women Under-20 football team, the Falconets.
The Falconets are in Germany for the on-going 2010 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
The team drew 1-1 with England in their first Group C match last Wednesday in Augsburg, where they also beat Japan 2-1 in their second match at the weekend.
The Falconets will face Mexico in their final group game today in Bochum.
Tidesport learnt that Ikpeme, who is a trained psychologist, joined the team at the weekend, after leaving Abuja for Germany.
He joined other team officials such as Mr Stephen Gyebgon, NFF Executive Committee member and leader of delegation; and Mr James Peters, the federation’s Assistant General Secretary (Technical).
A source at the NFF’s Glass House Secretariat, told our source on condition of anonymity, that the federation decided to strengthen technical and administrative support for the team to enable it succeed in the competition.
“We are aware of the team’s need of a win to stay in contention for a quarter-final ticket, and we feel we need a strong hand there to ensure technical matters are put right,’’ he said.
The source also said Ikpeme’s trip was a way of ensuring that technical support to the team’s handlers was not lacking, especially with psychology being Ikpeme’s area of specialisation.
“It is one of the ways Dr Bolaji Ojo-Oba, the NFF General Secretary, does things to ensure we achieve success. He feels Ikpeme will be able to do a good job there.
“And judging from their display at the weekend against Japan, this has proved to be a good decision, and we are hoping to reap more from this advantage in subsequent matches.
“Moreover, Ojo-Oba needs to put right a lot of things at the secretariat, and he feels that the Falconets need a lot of help to be able to do Nigeria proud in Germany,’’ he said.
The source also revealed that the secretary general had been busy lately at the NFF secretariat, coordinating the federation’s administrative activities ahead of the NFF August 21 elective congress.
“Ojo-Oba has been busy lately with so many things ahead of the NFF’s August 21 elections and the national youth teams’ matches scheduled for later this month and next month.
“Moreover, there is the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup coming up in September in Trinidad and Tobago, and there is the need to ensure that plans are put in place for Nigeria ’s success in all these engagements,” the source said.
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.