Sports
Appeals Impasse: Nigeria Risks FIFA Ban
Nigeria is again in dan
ger of another FIFA ban should the country not adopt a common decision on the results of the recent NFF executive committee elections.
FIFA could also be forced to sack the executive committee altogether and appoint a harmonisation committee in their place.
Last week, the electoral appeals committee members upheld all the results of the September 30 elections in Warri, while the committee’s chairman has ordered fresh elections this week for the presidential, first vice-presidential as well as two other seats in the southeast and northwest.
Both decisions are now before FIFA, who are expected to rule on the matter this week.
But a top official exclusively told AfricanFootball.com it was in the best interest of the country that the two different rulings are harmonised before the FIFA intervention, which could lead to another court case and subsequent ban by FIFA of the country.
“The matter is very clear – if the decisions of the appeals committee are not harmonised, FIFA will be forced to intervene and this may lead to court cases and subsequent ban of the country,” the official explained.
“FIFA may also appoint a harmonisation committee in place of the executive committee and it is this harmonisation committee that will organise fresh elections.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) have equally received both decisions from the appeals committee.
“There are just too many interests and everyone is holding tight to his position and if the various differences are not resolved, what may result may not be good for some of these interests,” another source warned.
A FIFA ban would mean the country will not feature in next year’s CAF U17, U20 and U23 qualifying championships, while the country’s clubs namely Kano Pillars, Enyimba, Warri Wolves and Dolphins will also be withdrawn from the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.
Nigeria has been bedeviled by a lingering leadership crisis since the country crashed out of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil in July.
This has led to a brief FIFA suspension and subsequently several warnings from the world football governing body.
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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