Sports
NFF Appoints Coaches On Merit – Pinnick
The Nigeria Football Federation last Tuesday inducted recently appointed coaches of the various National Teams.
Present at the occasion were President of the NFF, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick, who was represented by the Chairman of Chairmen of the NFF Congress, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau; NFF Executive Committee members, Ahmed Yusuf ‘Fresh’, Ganiyu Majekodunmi; and Emmanuel Ibah, as well as the General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, Director of Competitions, Bola Oyeyode and other members of NFF management.
The NFF President charged the newly appointed coaches to be of good behaviour and give their best whilst serving the nation. He also enjoined them to ensure they maintain a good working relationship with the secretariat.
“Each and everyone here was appointed on merit and the Federation will ensure you get maximum support to succeed in your jobs. There is the need to prepare hard and in quick time for the different competitions lined up, and we believe you have what it takes to assemble good teams and do well at the different competitions you will be participating in.
“Ensure you maintain good relationship with the secretariat and be good ambassadors of our great country,” Pinnick stated.
Coaches present at the induction included the Head Coach of the U20 Boys team, Isah Ladan Bosso; Head Coach of the U17 Boys, Fatai Amoo; Head Coach of the U15 Boys, Haruna Ilerika Usman; Head Coach of the U17 Girls, Bankole Olowookere and Head Coach of the U13 Boys, Abdullahi Tyabo Umar. Their assistants were also present.
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.