Sports
NPL Declares 2011/2012 Season Worst In History …Sacks Board
The Congress of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL), yesterday passed a damming verdict on the league, concluding that it was the worst in the history of the competition.
The body’s position was contained in a communiqué read by the Chairman, Communiqué Drafting Committee, Salihu Aluko, at the end of the 7th Congress of NPL yesterday in Abuja.
The congress noted that the 2011/2012 season was the worst organised since the inception of the league in 2005.
“The congress deliberated on the state of the league, especially the just-concluded 2011/2012 season and agreed that it was the worst organised since the inception of the NPL in 2005.
“Congress frowned at the management style of the current board and expressed total disappointment in its inability to positively react to series of allegations against it,” he said.
Aluko said that the board was accused of managerial recklessness, executive rascality, high handedness, disrespect for clubs, refusal to call for congress, failure to secure a title sponsor for the league and gross incompetence.
According to him, the congress invoked Article 22(n) and unanimously resolved that the board which was an organ of the NPL as constituted be dissolved immediately.
The board mandated the acting executive secretary to take over the affairs of the league pending further directives from the Nigeria Football Association,” Aluko said.
He also said that the decision of the board to expel Ocean Boys FC from the league lacked due process and was reversed by the congress.
Aluko described the congress’ nullification and suspension of Okey Kpalukwu and Malam Farouk Yarma by the board chairman from NPL activities as not being in line with the NPL statutes and declared it null and void.
He added that it formally admitted the three newly promoted clubs, El-Kanemi Warriors FC, Nasarawa Utd FC and Bayelsa Utd FC, expressing optimism for a hitch-free 2012/2013 season.
The chairman said that the 2012/2013 league season should commence on February 16, 2013 with the pre-season activities, noting that the draws would hold in Kano at a date yet to be announced.
Tidesports learnt that 19 premier league clubs that took part in the 2011/2012 league were in attendance and three executive board members of NFA.
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.