Sports
Minister Finds Solution To Football Crisis
Sports Minister Yusuf Suleiman has called for pragmatic solutions that would help to curb the incessant recurrence of crisis in Nigeria’s football.
While inaugurating the Ministerial Committee of Experts on the Reform of Nigerian Football, in Abuja, Monday, Suleiman said it was sad that efforts and time have been consumed by crisis in the sport.
“It was clear to me immediately on assumption of office that my first assignment should be to bring peace to the football family because a lot of efforts, time and resources have been consumed by the crisis,’’ he said.
The committee headed by a former chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), retired Brig.-Gen. Dominic Oneya, has nine members and four resource persons.
The minister, who is also the chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), said there was need for peace in the football family in order to promote sustainable development.
“There is the need for peace in order to promote football, especially as we have all realised that those good resources and time could have been better utilised and we all know there is need for reforms too,’’ he said
Suleiman pointed out that sports administration in Nigeria had now reached a crucial point where it had to face the necessary challenges in a better way.
“We are at a crucial moment in our sports administration when we must face our challenges adequately, knowing that we have the capacity to deal with such challenges in view of our talents and resources.
“This is why this committee must complete this assignment very expeditiously and come out with pragmatic and achievable solutions that will help us end this crisis once and for all,’’ he said.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Oneya assured that the members would do a good job in order not to disappoint the nation.
“We know there is need for a peaceful atmosphere to prevail for our football to grow, and we will, in this line, not disappoint. We will deliver as expected and hope that there will not be any regrets thereafter,’’ he said.
Oneya commended the minister for his efforts in getting the warring parties to a roundtable, saying “we are grateful to the minister for hitting the ground running, just days after coming into office.
“This gives us an assurance that you are a Sports Minister we can count on for a sustainable development of sports in Nigeria,’’ he said.
The committee is expected to work between now and October 31, with six terms of reference, which include the revision of the NFA statutes.
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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