Sports
Pinnick Remains Humble After Being Elected NFF President
Amaju Pinnick has described as ‘no victor, no vanquished’ his re-election as the president of the Nigeria Football Federation on Thursday as he insists ‘football is the winner’.
The 45-year-old feels his second term victory at the polls was not his making but that of the football stakeholders in the interest of the game
Pinnick earned a landslide victory to return as the NFF boss for the second term, defeating Aminu Maigari, Taiwo Ogunjobi and Chinedu Okoye at the NFF elective congress held in Katsina State.
The 45-year-old, who doubles as Caf first vice-president, gained a total of 34 votes – 26 more than his closest challenger and former NFF supremo Maigari, while ex-NFF scribe Ogunjobi got two votes but no vote for Bimo FC proprietor Okoye.
Having secured another four-year term, the former Delta FA boss pledged that his leadership will immediately embark on reforms in the move to halt internal wranglings in the nation’s football.
“There is no victor, no vanquished but football is the winner,” Pinnick told media after being re-elected in Katsina.
“Aminu Maigari is my big brother and I even call him my father and Taiwo Ogunjobi is also my big brother as well. We need to do what we have to do. First, we need to do is initiate reforms in our status.
“This is something that we need to start immediately to ensure true reconciliation. We have to do it right away. I am happy, though it is not about me or the executive committee the congress who believed in us and will work hard not to fail them.
“I sincerely from the depth of my heart appreciate the president of the country for providing the enabling environment. I am from a micro-minority in Nigeria, tiny ethnic group and came to Katsina in the far north – the home of the president to win an election. What more does anyone need to believe that the president or government is detribalise and shows that the offers level playing grounds.
“This just rekindled my believe in Nigeria and I am eager to do something big for Nigeria football. This is a turning point for Nigeria football. We need to develop football beyond ethnicity and mediocrity.”
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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