Sports
Rangers’ Management Congratulates Pinnick, Okenwa, Others
The management of Rangers International FC, Enugu, yesterday congratulated the re-elected President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick and other board members on their recent victories.
Tidesports source reports that the Pinnick-led NFF executive emerged from Thursday’s FIFA and sports ministry officials supervised elective congress held in Katsina State.
Pinnick, who is a Delta-born football administrator, won by an overwhelming majority in a largely peaceful exercise to become the first man in over half a century to be returned as NFF boss for a second time.
Rangers’ General Manager Davidson Owumi told newsmen in Enugu that “the development is a positive one for Nigerian football”.
Owumi said that the return of Pinnick and most members of his executive would, to a very large extent, take Nigerian football to a higher level.
“I want to use this medium to congratulate the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick; Enugu State Football Association (FA) Chairman, Chidi Okenwa and other elected board members of the NFF executive committee.
“This remarkable feat means well for Nigerian football as continuity is the key to success.
“This victory is for football and it is our hope that it will be one of the numerous positive gains for Nigerian football,” Owumi said.
According to him, there is no denying the fact that with his (Pinnick) position as CAF vice-president and his wide reach in FIFA, Nigeria football shall be the highest beneficiary.
“`We shall give the re-elected executive board our maximum support,” the Rangers’ boss assured.
Also elected into the NFF executive are: Seyi Akinwnumi, as first vice-president, Shehu Dikko, as second vice-president and Mohammed Sanusi as general secretary.
Other members of the executive are Ibrahim Gusau, Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande, Babagana Kalli, Sharif Inuwa, Chidi Okenwa, Aisha Falode, Mohammed Alkali, Musa Duhu, Ganiyu Majekodunmi and Emmanuel Ibah.
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.