Sports
Ex-Referees Boss Okays Blatter’s Re-Election Bid
A former member of the Ni
gerian Football Federation (NFA) and former president of Nigerian Referees Association, Dr Sam Sam Jaja, has thrown his weight behind FIFA president, Sepp Blatter to re-contest as president of the world football body next year.
Dr Jaja, who was speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt, last Friday, said the level of performance and improvement in the game of football justifies the re-election of Blatter for sustainability of the gains achieved in the game.
He noted that the 77 year old Blatter should be encouraged to contest if he desires while citing his predecessor and that of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) president.
On the world cup provisional list released by coach Stephen Keshi, the Rivers State born former sports administrator, urged Nigerians not to distract the coach because he has the technical know-how to know the players that would prosecute the world cup for the country.
He, however, justified the defence of the list before the technical committee of the NFF, since according to him, the coach needs to explain to his employers his programmes and how he hopes to carry it through.
Jaja urged Nigerians to have confidence on coach Keshi, knowing that he won the Nations Cup and qualified Nigeria for the world cup, emphasising that Nigerians are very critical people, where every body becomes football coach.
On why Nigerian Referees are not officiating at tournament level in CAF and FIFA, the former referees president attributed the development to politics, stressing that “if you watch the African Football it is dominated by the francophone countries and Nigeria have not done well too, just like other facets of human life.
He hinted that as NFF president, he attracted CAF to Port Harcourt and lamented the treatment metted out to a FIFA graded referee and number six in Africa continent, Mr. Solomon from Rivers State.
‘I thanked God that the current executive of the Referees Asssociation are doing a lot to improve the situation because referees’ academy are being established in several states of the federation”, he said, adding that in less than 10 years Nigerian referees would be listed to officiate at CAF and FIFA tournament.
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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