Sports
Amao Charges NPL On League Sponsorship
The former Coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club, Fatai Amao,
has urged the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) board to address problems of
sponsorship before the start of the new soccer league season.
He also wants appeals over matches that ended in
controversial circumstances to be resolved before the commencement of the
season.
Amao told newsmen in an interview that it was disturbing
that a league considered among the best in Africa could not attract a title
sponsor.
He said that the South Africa league was a good example of a
well-funded league and called on the private sector to show support in order to
revive the league.
“A major problem that has to be addressed before the next
season commences is the issue of sponsorship in our league.
“If it is said that our league is one of the best in the
continent, then we must ensure that it should reflect in the way it is ran.
“Moroka Swallows FC of South Africa were recently given 8
million Rand for winning the Cup Final; why can’t we equally get good
sponsorship deals as such,” he said.
He added it was unfortunate that the 2011/2012 league season
ended in controversy and advised that appeals to protests should be decided
within 48 hours of lodgment, after a match.
Amao, then, noted the need for issues concerning players’
sign-on fees, salaries and match allowances be tackled effectively in order to
enhance professionalism in the management of teams.
“The issue of salaries, match allowances and other
contractual agreements should be addressed effectively in order to show
professionalism in managing players’’.
The league 2011/2012 ended without a title sponsor. The Kano
Pillars were awarded the league title in controversial circumstances.
Sports
Inter House Sports Is Where Talents Are Discovered -Rear Admiral Okehie
Sports
Yenagoa City Set For Maiden 10km Marathon
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.
Sports
NSC rewards Ogun State Athlete N3m
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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