Sports
NFF Officials Take Court Action Against Harassment
Top Nigeria football offi
cials led by president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Aminu Maigari have asked a court to stop the incessant harassment against them by the country’s security agencies since the World Cup in Brazil.
The other officials that are part of the legal action are NFF general secretary Musa Amadu, Chris Green and Shehu Dikko.
Their lawyer Festus Keyamo has instituted a court action against both the Nigerian police and the State Security Service at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
”We hope you realise that any action on your part in form of continuous invitations, harassments, arrests and detentions will undermine the authority of the court in this regard,” read part of the court proceedings.
“We understand that these various harassments are designed to scuttle the Nigerian Football Federation Congress slated for the 30th of September, 2014 in Warri, Delta State, and your actions are at the behest of those who intend to scuttle the congress as they do not mean well for Nigerian Football.
“Kindly note that if your actions precipitate a crises that bungles the Congress, our clients shall not be held responsible for any fate that befalls our football from FIFA.”
FIFA has warned that any hindrance or mishap that will scuttle tomorrow’s NFF elections will lead to an automatic ban for Nigeria till the next FIFA congress in May.
In July, Maigari was whisked away by security agents on arrival from the World Cup in Brazil.
He was also held by the state security prior to an NFF general assembly he was to preside over in August.
This week, all the officials joined in this suit have been quizzed by the state security allegedly on the orders of top sports ministry officials.
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.