Sports
Ikorodu United’s Players Lament Unpaid Salaries
Players of Lagos-based Ikorodu United FC have complained of the club’s inability to pay their salaries for the past six months.
The players, who expressed their disappointment, told newsmen that the unpaid salaries had affected their morale and those of the staff of the club.
They said that the dwindling fortunes of the club in their campaign in the Nigeria National League (NNL) was the result of the high indebtedness of the club to its officials and players.
Tidesports source gathered that Ikorodu United was relegated to the lower league after their unsuccessful campaign in the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Ikorodu United was demoted after coming last on the NPFL log with a measly seven wins, 11 draws and a huge 18 losses with just 32 points.
However, things have continued to go from bad to worse as Ikorodu United is now battling relegation from the NNL.
The Oga Boys currently sit second from the drop zone in the Southern Conference of NNL that has 18 teams.
The team occupies 16th position with a paltry three wins, three draws and 10 losses with 12 points from 15 matches.
Complaining about the team’s plight, a reliable source said that the management was to blame for its precarious position in the NNL.
“The management has to be blamed, they are not paying and expect us to play with empty stomach. Aside that, we also have families who depend on us.
“It is a tough time for the club as some of the sponsors have also withdrawn their sponsorships. It is highly discouraging.
“The club need to do something fast so as not to lead the club to its extinction,’’ he said.
A player said anonymously that he was being owed six months’ salary arrears and that had affected his morale.
“Currently, I am not happy at all, I am indebted to many people whom I have promised to pay after our salaries are paid.
“Till now, we have not been paid for six months, I am just managing myself.’’
However, commenting on the players grouse, the Media Officer of the Club, Tunde Babalola, said that the management was working to improve their lot.
“We will get better as the days go by, the club’s management is working towards the success of the club, hence, there will be improvement soon,’’ 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.
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