Sports
YSFON Rounds Off 2014 Activities
The Kaduna State chapter
of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) has in Kaduna rounded off its year 2014 activities with the final matches of seven competitions.
The final matches were played at the Kaduna YSFON Pitch and the ABS Training Pitch, both at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS).
They involved finalists from various age-grade male competitions organised by the youth sports body since January, involving a total of 140 youth football clubsides.
In the final of the under-10 competition which had 14 participants, Nationale of Tudun Ilu beat Gamji of Kaduna South 3-2 at the YSFON pitch.
Florentina beat FC Porto 1-0 at the YSFON pitch in the final of the under-13 competition, which was an 8-a-side event involving 12 teams.
At the ABS Training Pitch, Golden Boys of Igabi beat Bufa of Kaduna South 2-1 in the final of the under-15 contest which had 20 participants.
The under-17 event which had 24 participants saw Stallion beating Doka Stars on penalty kicks after a goalless draw at the ABS Training Pitch.
In the under-18 category which had 36 teams as participants, the Quarry Men Fc of Kaduna North lost 0-3 to El-Haroun FC of Kaduna South.
In the final of the under-14 competition which had 18 teams, Golden Arrows beat Gamji 2-0.
The final of the under-17 competition for clubsides in the Zangon-Kataf local government area was also played on Sunday in Kaduna at the ABS Training Pitch.
Sixteen teams took part, with Dutsen-Mai of Zangon-Kataf taking on Amana Madauchi in the final match.
Speaking after the matches, the Kaduna State YSFON Secretary, Abdulrasaq Usman, said it was thrilling for him and the organisation to have ended the year on such a note.
He said the final matches were just some of the finals of competitions the organisation put together in the year.
“Five other final matches were played some days ago on these two pitches, involving some other age-grade clubsides, and it is a good thing to see the excitement in the players and their officials.
‘Not only that, it was lovely seeing the quality of play and the individual skills displayed by the boys in these matches, and I can say that the national team handlers are missing a lot by not being here,’’ Usman said.
The official, who is also the YSFON National Organising Secretary, said it was important that Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials should take time out to watch youth competitions in states.
“It is very important, because Nigeria has a lot of youth football talents and it is only when the NFF officials go round that they can really see them and choose the best for the country,’’ he said.
Usman however , appealed to public-spirited individuals and corporate bodies to come to the aid of Kaduna State YSFON, saying the body was in dire need of financial assistance.
“We have a lot of activities on our programme, and not only in male and female football, but in other sports too, involving various grades of youths.
“However, finance is our major problem, as we receive no grant or any form of assistance from any group or government.
“So, we will greatly appreciate any form of support to help expose hidden sports talents, and help in grooming and shaping their lives for a better future,’’ he said.
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.