Sports
‘Athletes Forge MFN Stamp, Seal For Visa’
Over 30 Nigerians have impersonated to be members of Muaythai Federation of Nigeria (MFN) seeking visa to Egypt for training that was scheduled to have commenced and ended yesterday.
The impersonators, now at large have allegedly submitted visa applications and forged letter-headed paper and seal of MFN.
President of the Federation, Comrade Paul Egonu, revealed this in an exclusive interview with Tidesports, yesterday, in Port Harcourt.
Comrade Egonu explained that the Federation got to know of the development when the impersonators could not answer some questions and provide other requirements needed by the embassy. The MFN, according to him is currently investigating the matter.
“As I speak to you, the Federation has already written to the Egyptian embassy, disassociating itself from those suspects.
We have also told the embassy that no name among the impersonators is known to MFN, besides, “we have no such training in Egypt within this period”, Comrade Egonu said.
According to him, Mauythai in Nigeria goes with the name Mauythai Federation of Nigeria (MFN) and not Nigeria Mauythai Federation, as claimed by the suspects, adding that MFN is affiliated to International Federation of Muaythai Association (IFMA) and also member, World Mauythai Council (WMC).
“We have called on the Egyptian embassy to also carry out their own investigation as this incident could jeopardise the good relationship between the federation and their embassy.
MFN uses this medium to inform the general public to disassociate themselves from these impostors. The Federation is working with the police to arrest the suspects now at large.
“We have a bunch of fraudulent human beings whose job is to impersonate, do visa racketeering and tarnish the image of Nigeria,” he said.
By: Tonye Orabere
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.