Sports
Supporters Club’s Expenses Hit N87m
The Nigeria Football and other Sports Supporters Club has disclosed that it spent over N87 million to attend the 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament held in South Africa.
President-General of the club, Dr Rafiu Oladipo, told Tidesports in Abuja that the money was expended on over 237 members of the club.
According to Oladipo, the club’s finance committee has been saddled with the responsibility of tabulating every expense made towards the South African trip and presenting it to the full house.
“We went with about 237 supporters from Lagos: There were members from Ghana, Cote d’ Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso and in South Africa.
“The club in South Africa was put together in 2009 and they were all there with us, travelling from Johannesburg to Nelspruit; Nelspruit to Rustenburg, then to Durban and so on.
“These journeys cost us money: We will soon come out with the exact amount that was spent on the trip,’’ Ladipo said.
He said the club spent more money attending AFCON and the World Cup tournaments than any other event.
The President-General pointed out that the club was fortunate to have gotten some financial reward from the Federal and Lagos State governments for the support given to the Super Eagles’ during the AFCON championship.
“We came back and the Federal Government gave us N5 million; Lagos State gave us N4.5 million and these amounted to N9 million.
“We are grateful to them but was that what we spent?
“The air fare alone for 237 people cost over N40 million; what about transportation to all our match venues and other logistics?
“However, we are happy that at least for once, the President, at the Federal Executive Council meeting, made a pronouncement appreciating the efforts of the supporters club.
“It goes a long way and means a lot to us,’’ he added.
The club is planning to acquire a private jet to help reduce its expenses while on national assignments.
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.
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