Sports
Draw For NPL’s Super 4 Holds, Tomorrow
The draw for the 2010 Nigeria Super 4 holds tomorrow, Mr Tunji Babalola, the Head of NPL’s Competition Department, said the draw would hold in Abuja on Thursday, July 22.
The Globacom Premier League’s top four clubs in the just-concluded 2009/2010 league season.
The clubs are Enyimba International FC of Aba , Kano Pillars FC, Sunshine Stars FC of Akure and Kwara United FC of Ilorin.
The clubs finished first, second, third and fourth respectively in the competition.
“We expect the four clubs’ representatives in Abuja tomorrow for the draw at the NPL secretariat.
“The clubs are expected to send a representative each to the event,” Babalola said.
He disclosed that each club’s representative was expected at the draw with their team’s group photograph, club profile, 22-player list, club chairman’s photograph and a list of technical crew/club management.
The NPL his yet to pick a venue for the Super 4 competition.
Babalola said the NPL had also instructed the 20 Premier League clubs to forward their proposals on the league competition’s rules and regulations.
“We expect the proposals to reach the NPL through our electronic mail on or before Friday, July 30.
“This will help us to amend the existing statutes, rules and regulation in line with FIFA, CAF and NFF standards,’’ he said.
The NPL official said the league board was determined to take a critical look at its competition’s current rules and regulations.
“The contributions from the 20 Premier League clubs will go a long way in changing the fortunes of the Nigerian Premier League competition,’’ he said.
The Nigerian Premier League competition was introduced in 2005 to replace the then Professional League Division One which came into being in 1990.
Last year’s edition of the Super 4 was held from Aug. 18 to Aug. 22 at the Ilorin Township Stadium.
Heartland FC won it with six points from two wins and a loss in three matches, beating Enyimba, 2008/2009 league winners, Bayelsa United and Warri Wolves to the title.
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.