Sports
Jonathan Promises To Cheer Eagles At W/ Cup
President Goodluck Ebele
Jonathan has assured that he will be in Brazil this summer to cheer the Super Eagles to victory at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The President made this disclosure at an elaborate event held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he was decorated as Grand Patron of Nigeria Football Supporters’ Club.
At the event, President Jonathan also hailed the efforts of the National Sports Commission, Nigeria Football Federation and Nigeria Football Supporters’ Club, in the numerous successes that Nigeria national teams have achieved in the recent times.
Dedicating the honour to all Members of the federal executive council and Nigerians of goodwill at home and in diaspora, the President further pledged that his administration will continue to give maximum support and assistance to all Nigerian sportsmen and women to bring glory to the country.
“The Year 2014 is a very important one for our nation, as we have the FIFA World Cup and the Commonwealth Games ahead of us. The Federal Government will not relent in giving support to all our athletes in all sports to excel. I am indeed honoured to be officially recognised as Nigeria’s Number One Supporter. I have always been a keen supporter of all our national teams,” the President said at the event.
On his part, President -General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Oladipo hailed the President’s keen interest and personal motivation of all the national teams, which has resulted in tremendous successes over the years.
It should be noted that since President Jonathan assumed power, the Nigeria Football Federation has brought immense honour and glory to Nigeria through the national teams, with a total of 10 trophies in the cabinet.
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.