Sports
Omidiran Drops NFF Ambition For Politics
Long time woman football club proprietor, Ayo Omidiran at the weekend withdrew from the election into the NFF executive committee after getting her party’s nomination to contest for elections into the House of Representatives.
Omidiran was one of five candidates seeking to be elected as chairperson of the Women’s Football Board last weekend, a position that automatically guarantees a seat on the NFF board.
But the owner of Omidiran Babes, a women’s football club, beat six other candidates to claim the ticket to run for a seat in the lower house under the aegis of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in her home state of Osun.
If she wins the election in April, she will represent Ayedabee/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constitency.
Omidiran said she decided to peel off from the NFF elections to channel her energies towards the April general elections
“I did not step down for anybody,” she said. “I just think it will be appropriate for me to pursue my political ambition rather than pursue two major projects at the same time. To me the House of Reps ticket is a bigger platform,” she says.
The former NFF board member did promise, however, to offer her support to whoever emerges as the chairperson if elected into the lower chamber.
“Football remains my first love even though I will be going into the house to represent the interests of my constituency. However my support for the game and to our representative remains intact,” she 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.
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