Sports
Coach Canvasses Support For Female Soccer
A former Super Falcons’
assistant coach, Joy Etim, has called on the media to always support the development of female football with adequate coverage.
Etim told newsmen that publicity would go a long way to attract interested young women with potentials to the game.
“Female football needs to be encouraged, especially by the press because it is a major means of creating awareness and attracting upcoming players.
“I believe the media is a strong force, so, we really need them to be on ground during teams’ training sessions and competitions,’’ she said.
According to her, the gesture would also boost the confidence of the players and make them to be committed, disciplined and focused in their career.
“The presence of the media during training or competitions motivates the girls and you will see them displaying their skills on the field,’’ she added.
Etim said adequate coverage would also provide philanthropists and corporate organisations in the country and the Diaspora the information that would motivate and probably make them to invest their money in female football.
“When their training and matches are given media hype, some football enthusiasts in Nigeria and abroad will develop interest in watching and supporting them,’’ she said.
She expressed delight at the performance of the female national teams at various international female football tournaments, saying that they were making progress.
The former assistant coach appealed to corporate bodies to contribute to the growth of female football by responding positively to proposals for sponsorship from clubs.
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.