Sports
NFF Wants Presidential Taskforce For 2014 World Cup
Chairman of the Nigeria
Football Federation (NFF), Aminu Maigari, has said the association was not averse to a Presidential Task Force (PTF) overseeing Nigeria’s 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Maigari told newsmen in Abuja that the introduction of a task force, just as it happened about four years ago, would reduce the World Cup burden currently placed on the NFF.
The Federal Government had in 2009 set up a PTF headed by Governor Rotimi Amaechi ahead of the 2010 World Cup finals.
The task force was to oversee the Super Eagles’ qualification for the mundial and the team’s eventual participation in South Africa.
It had gone on to steady the team’s shaky qualification campaign.
The PTF also helped to raise funds for the team’s eventual participation in the mundial, where the Eagles however failed to go beyond the first round.
“We need that presidential backing. If President Goodluck Jonathan will step in, it will be a blessing to the country and our football.
“So, we need the President very well, because we will need presidential blessing, backing and support.
“We need the Task Force because football is part of the presidential support and we need it.
“Football is a game of numbers, and you need everybody to come and give input. It is a case of let me learn from you and let everybody learn from each other,’’ Maigari said.
Maigari also said team head coach Stephen Keshi has the final say on the list of players to be invited to camp for the World Cup finals.
Keshi had recently submitted to NFA’s Technical Committee an initial list of 38 players.
“It is the prerogative of the coach alone, and not any other person, to select the players. But I know Keshi is up and doing as far as the World Cup is concerned.
“Usually, the NFA only advises. We don’t impose players on coaches.
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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