Sports
Sports Fans Task Administrators On FIFA
Worried by frequent threats by the world football governing board, FIFA on Nigeria, sports fans in Port Harcourt have called on football administrators in Nigeria to close ranks.
The suspension on Nigeria last week which had nearly scuttled the Nigerian versus Guinea Nations Cup qualifier has been lifted temporarily but a lot of unresolved issues could still attract the ban.
According to sports fan, Ekhaisomi Osaro, Nigeria football administrators should use the grace window to settle their differences.
Osaro noted that Nigeria as a giant of African football could not claim to be ignorant of FIFA rules, especially as it frowns at government interference.
The football authorities must ensure that they play according to the rules to avoid further friction with FIFA.
“We all know that we must have all the administrative structures in place and settle any football dispute outside the court house. Teams must also be relegated at the end of season, not what sports minister Isa Bio tried to do.
“So my advise to the authorities is to end their quarrels to have a clear road map towards developing the game in the country,” he added.
On his part, a keen soccer follower, Emmanuel Uchis commended FIFA for temporarily lifting the ban.
He said most football fans in the country were not happy over the development, as they expected FIFA to have intervened and explored other options of resolving the crisis rather than suspend the country.
“The issue is that the new NFF board was taken to court by registered footballers for coming into offices in a crooked way.
“I think this should worry any well meaning Nigerian as we all know that some of the state FA chairmen tenure have expired,” he explained.
“I therefore think the ban was too hasty but thank God, it has been lifted,” Emmanuel said.
It would be recalled that FIFA had unbanned Nigeria till October 26, 2010 after suspending it for flaunting its regulations.
The statement lifting the suspension reads, “The FIFA Emergency Committee decided today, 8 October, to provisionally lift the suspension of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The decision was taken after observing that the situation had taken a positive turn in recent days, with the claimant at the origin of the court actions publicity committing himself to withdrawing his claims, the acting general secretary of the NFF returning to his post on October 5, 2010 and the issue of the Nigeria League being left totally within the ambit of the NFF,” the statement read.
In the same vein, sport fans on Tuesday in Lagos faulted FIFA’s claim that the Federal Government was interfering in the football administration in Nigeria.
The fans, who came under the aegis of sports stakeholders, urged the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to inform the world body that there was no government interference in soccer administration in Nigeria.
Speaking with newsmen, Martins Osaile, a sports and boxing promoter, said sports should be run by knowledgeable persons and not the ‘mafias’ who have hijacked it.
“There are some mafias behind the scene who do not want sports to move forward in this country, these people should first be flushed out of the system in order to revive sports,” he said.
Akonte Samuel
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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