Sports
NFA Studies Kaduna Situation For Nigeria/ Rwanda Game
The Nigeria Football Association (NFA) has said in Abuja that it was still studying the situation on whether Kaduna should remain the venue for the upcoming Nigeria/Rwanda match.
The match, a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, is to hold in Nigeria between June 15 and June 17.
NFA had earlier given indications that the match would hold in Kaduna.
However, the security situation in Kaduna in the recent past has led to speculations that the NFA was planning to shift the match venue.
NFA chairman Aminu Maigari, while speaking to newsmen on the issue, said the association was not going to comment on the issue as the situation was being studied.
“Football is a game that enhances peace. So, on our part, we are studying the situation for now as we are using this game of football to bring peace to this country,’’ he said.
Maigari said nothing had been decided on the match venue as other things were in consideration to determine the final choice.
“It is my belief and prayer the kind of situation we are presently experiencing will improve for the better.
“But, as it is now for us at the NFA, we are still trying to see how the situation will come up,’’ he said.
Rwanda and Nigeria had played a goalless draw on Febru
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.