Sports
Analysts Lament Nigerian Referees’ Snub By CAF
Football analysts yesterday described as unfortunate the inclusion of only one Nigerian referee by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to officiate in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Nations Cup is scheduled to hold from January 19 to February 10 in South Africa. CAF on Monday released a list of 18 referees and 21 linesmen to officiate in the Nations Cup finals. Peter Edibe was listed among the referees’ assistants by CAF and is the only Nigerian match official who would feature in the Nations Cup. An analyst, Kayode Tijani said it was unfortunate that only one referee made the list, adding that an enabling environment should be created to ensure indigenous referees give the best officiating.
“It’s unfortunate, but we have to admit that the flaws from our referees are enormous and there’s need for them to be better organised. “An enabling environment must be created to ensure our referees officiate well during league matches because it is the insecurities at match venues that lead to poor officiating,” he said.
Another analyst, Sunday Osunkwo also said that it was sad the only Nigerian referee listed by CAF was going to the Nations Cup as an assistant and not as a centre referee. “Just one Nigerian referee on the sideline is sad. It tells you the extent to which our referees are lowly rated in Africa. “The truth is that our referees are not doing well but I don’t blame them because the clubs pay their indemnities, which leads to bias. “Things have to change if we hope to see our referees in future CAF competitions.
They should attend special courses and be fair and bold in officiating,” Osunkwo said. However, Sports journalist, Emeka Nwani expressed disappointment in CAF, saying that Nigerian referees were good but did not understand CAF’s selection criteria. “I’m disappointed because we have good referees in the country who I feel should make the list but CAF’s selection process is what I don’t get,” he said.
In his reaction, another journalist, Tony Ubani, said the development was a reflection of the growth of football in Africa, noting that at some point in time, Nigerian referees dominated the Nations Cup.
“Regardless of the game’s development in Africa, the performance of referees in Nigeria has also declined. “They lack consistency because the developmental process of football in the country has also affected the performance of referees,” the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) spokesman said. According to Ubani, the once called giant of Africa have been relegated to the background and it’s a shame.
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.
-
Business2 days agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
News2 days agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Rivers2 days agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Business2 days agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Business2 days agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Rivers2 days agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
Rivers2 days agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH
-
Environment2 days agoIWD: NGO promotes clean energy access for women in Kaduna