Sports
10 Nigerian Youths For Homeless World Cup
Community Connects for Leadership, a Lagos-based, Non-Government Organisation (NGO), has shortlisted 10 youths from Cross River State for the Homeless World Cup scheduled to hold in Mexico in 2012.
They are: Regina Otu, Onyinye Christpher, Ruth Nwana, Blessing Epko, Glory Henshaw, Bassey Ekpeynog, Edem Effiong, Kingsley Uduak, Alale Ilam and Peace Nse Edet.
Yomi Kuku, an official of the organisation, told newsmen on December 25, after a 3-week selection exercise in Calabar that only three youths of the 10 youths would eventually make it to Mexico.
He said the shortlisted players would undergo another screening in Lagos, out of which the three would be selected to represent the country in the tournament expected to hold between October 6 and October 18, 2012.
Kuku explained that the tournament was part of FIFA’s effort to encourage “fair play in football”.
He said that Cross River was the first state outside Lagos to embrace Community Connects for Leadership, “which is all about sharing and reaching out”.
Earlier, the Executive Director of Search and Groom, Nigeria, Ini Onuk, had said that 128 youths from across the 18 local government areas of the state participated in the exercise.
“We had over 2,000 male and female youths that applied to participate, but only 128 were accommodated at the end of which 10 were shortlisted,” she said.
Onuk said the exercise was made possible through a partnership with the Bridge Foundation for Leadership, and that it was aimed at grooming youths of Cross River for future leadership roles.
Speaking on the occasion, Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River said the exercise was beyond being champions.
“It is an opportunity for the youth to express their God-given leadership qualities.
“This whole exercise is all about turning you to become leaders. It is about preparing you for the future. It is about preparing you to be humble champions.
“It is also to prepare you to be leaders of your community and to be leaders of your country both on and off the football field,” Imoke said.
He said there was a need for the youth to always have vision in life, pointing out that with vision, they could help their community.
The Tidesports reports that outstanding players were presented with trophies in addition to the certificate of participation given to all the participants.
Homeless World Cup features a five-a-side format played without referees and the two teams decide the rules of the game.
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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