Sports
‘2015 NWPL Season To Be Abridged’
Chairperson of the Nige
ria Women League Board, Delicichukwu Onyedinma has confirmed that the upcoming season would be an abridged league in order to avoid the blunders of last season.
Onyedinma made this known during the Annual Clubs Congress of the Nigeria Women Football League which took place recently in Abuja.
According to her, compared to what was played last season, which was a straight league, the forthcoming season will be an abridged league, saying that, it would assist in coping with the serial breaks that would arise as a result of the busy schedule that would involve players called up to the national team.
“This season will be an abridged league. We have to consider the elections that are taking place and the competitions coming up in the year. We have taken note of most of the mistakes made last season and are looking forward to a much better league this year, Onyedinma stated.”
Meanwhile, the National team, Super Falcons of Nigeria re expected to participate in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in June; All Africa Games billed for Congo and the qualifiers for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games are the reasons behind the decision of the congress.
Highlights of the congress include the award of the 2014 league trophy to Rivers Angels of pelican stars and sunshine Queens who came second and third respectively.
The Angels were awarded their trophy after an exhibition game against confluence Queens at the FIFA Goal Project Technical Centre in Abuja.
The draws for the 2015 NWPL season are yet to be released.
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.