Sports
Federations Cup: NFF Moves Enyimba, GIWA’s Match To Abeokuta …Dolphins Face Prime In Abuja
The Nigeria Football Fed
eration has announced that the Federation Cup semi-final game between Enyimba FC and Giwa FC has been moved to Abeokuta.
The game which comes up next week Thursday was earlier scheduled to take place at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja. But the Federation has announced that the fixture has been moved to MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Although there was a desire to ensure both semi-final matches are played at the same venue for reason of close monitoring and the probability of SuperSport Television broadcasting both games live, officials have now decided to move one of the matches to ensure equal-distance for both competing sides.
“We have now moved the match between Enyimba FC and Giwa FC to Abeokuta. Abuja, the venue picked earlier, is much closer to Jos, home of Giwa FC than it is to Aba, the base of Enyimba FC,” the Head of Federation Cup Ruth David said.
However, four –time champions Dolphins FC and Prime FC will still square off at the FIFA Goal Project, Abuja, also on Thursday. Both matches kick-off at 4pm.
There was also a change in the women’s event, with the match between Sunshine Queens and Nasarawa Amazons now to take place in Lokoja, on Friday. Rivers Angels and Delta Queens retain their FIFA Goal Project, Abuja venue for the same day.
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.