Sports
Coach El-Shammah Dies At 65
Former coach of Nassarawa Football Club, El-Shammah Inusa Jigawa Golden Stars and EFCC FC, has died at 65 after fighting a kidney complication.
Ali Akumza, a cousin of Inusa, confirmed the death and described the coach’s demise as a “great loss’’ to the family.
A group of concerned coaches, who also confirmed his death on Sunday, in an interview with newsmen in Jos, said Inusa died at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
The group spokesman, Mr Michael Jatau, Goalkeepers Trainer with EFCC FC, who lamented the sudden death of their colleague, described Inusa’s death as sports loss.
“We consider Inusa’s death as a football sporting loss, considering his endeared contributions to the game of football while alive.
“His death came as rude shock to us because we were so hopeful that God in his infinite mercy, would heal him of the ailment and allow us continue with our fraternity and the game of football but to no avail.
“We believe God, who knows better, allowed it for a purpose and to His glory, which we as mortal can’t question, ’’ the group.
Jatau expressed regret that the money allegedly owed five of them (coaches) by a state government was not released before his death.
He said NFF Arbitration Committee, in 2015, awarded some money to them, including the late coach.
He said: “we were hoping that our cry to the Federal Government for help to save his life while in the hospital could ginger the government to pay us that money to give him the best treatment but to no avail.’’
“His name and contribution to football will remain indelible in our hearts as coaches and friends of his, ’’ Jatau said.
Akumza, his cousin, said: ”we spent a lot of money, some borrowed, all in the effort to save his life, yet he died. It was the lord’s doing even though we are pained.
“Our pain most came from the fact that he has some money with the state government, which wasn’t released to help him treat himself but died leaving it behind, ’’
Tidesports source reports that Inusa left behind two wives and a daughter.
It would be recall that the group of football coaches, had appealed to the Federal Government to assist and save Inusa’s life when they paid a visit to him while critically ill and on admission at the JUTH. Jatau had regretted that Inusa was lying helpless while he was being owed a huge sum of money for his services.
Inusa has been buried in his home town, Wamba, in Nassarawa State, according to Islamic rites.
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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