Sports
NFF Wants Overhaul Of Eaglets’ Crew
The Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has recommended a total review of the technical crew of the Golden Eaglets, the Federation said in Abuja last week.
The Federation’s Chief Media Officer, Mr Ademola Olajire, told newsmen that the recommendation was part of the committee’s decisions at its most recent meeting.
The committee, headed by NFF Executive Committee member, Mr Chris Green, had met at the Federation’s Glass House Secretariat in Abuja early last week, to deliberate on some issues.
“The committee thinks a total review of the Eaglets’ technical crew is necessary, given the fact that the team failed to qualify for the next edition of the African Junior Championship.”
“It decided on this move, in line with the Federation’s determination to avoid any age-cheating controversy and the fact that the team should be the bedrock of our football development,” Olajire said.
It will be recalled that the Eaglets’ coaching crew was headed by Monday Odigie, who had assisted John Obuh in the Eaglets’ team that finished second at the 2009 FIFA Under-17 World Cup held in Nigeria.
He said the committee, in line with NFF’s determination on grassroots football development, also decided to propose guidelines for the establishment of football academies in the country.
“This has been on ground some time, and in fact there is a proposal before the NFF Technical Department on this.”
“The committee is now going to fast-track action on this and very soon it will come up with the guidelines,” the NFF spokesman said.
Olajire, who pointed out that all the committee’s decisions were recommendations to the NFF Executive Committee, said the committee also discussed the restructuring of the Federation’s Technical Department.
“The Committee proposed to restructure the Federation’s Technical Department in line with international standards and according to the yearnings of Nigerians.”
“In addition to this, it is proposing training programmes for all Nigerian football coaches in order to update them on the game’s modern techniques and tactics.”
“To add to that and ensure home-grown football talents are adequately harnessed, the committee is considering using technical assessors for all league matches played in the country,’’ he said.
On the issue of the new Super Eagles head coach’s programme, Olajire said the committee approved the programme submitted by Samson Siasia in the short term.
“A part of this programme saw Siasia departing for Europe at the weekend to meet with a number of Nigerian international players who are abroad.”
“He will discuss with them, outline his programme to them and they will discuss on how to work together,’’ he said.
The NFF spokesman, however, said the committee was still holding consultations with Siasia on the issue of the Eagles’ backroom staff and would make its decision known very soon.
He disclosed further that the Technical Committee also approved the recommendation of the appointment of Augustine Eguavoen, as Head Coach of the national Under-23 men’s team.
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.
-
Business3 days agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Business3 days agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Rivers3 days agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Business3 days agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
News3 days agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Rivers3 days agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
Rivers3 days agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH
-
Environment3 days agoIWD: NGO promotes clean energy access for women in Kaduna