Sports
Blatter Inaugurates Artificial Pitches In Moroccoa
FIFA President, Sepp Blatter has inaugurated two artificial pitches at the National Football Centre in Mâamora, Morocco near the country’s capital, Rabat.
A statement on the CAF website said the CAF President, Issa Hayatou, and the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), Ali Fihri, were also at the ceremony.
It also described the event as part of the FIFA Goal Project.
Blatter applauded FRMF for the remarkable job done at the pitches, saying the facilities would enhance the development of football.
“I’d like to congratulate the Royal Moroccan Football Federation for the remarkable work that has been done here.
“These wonderful facilities will accelerate football’s development and benefit the children of the future,” the FIFA chief said.
Blatter also commended FRMF for organising a women’s football match at the inauguration of the pitches.
“I am delighted that the Federation organised a women’s match on inauguration day,” he said.
The statement said the FIFA delegation later visited the Mohammed VI Football Academy, a top-notch training centre for youths aged between 13 and 18.
It said Blatter would meet with the Moroccan Minister for Youth and Sport, Mohamed Ouzzine before holding discussions with FRMF representatives at its headquarters.
According to the statement, the FIFA President will also hold a meeting with the International Olympic Committee member, Nawal El Moutawakel.
It said Blatter’s trip to Morocco would be rounded off with a press conference.
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.