Sports
2021 NPFL/Laliga U-15 Coaching Seminar Begins
The 2021 edition of the NPFL/LaLiga U15 coaching seminar will hold virtually between yesterday (Tuesday) (tomorrow).
This year’s seminar will be facilitated by LaLiga’s Head of Football Projects, Juan Florit, and Coaching instructor, Carlos Casal.
Speaking on the Seminar, Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), Malam ShehuDikko said capacity development was a continuous process, and the LMC was committed to ensuring that coaches who are saddled with the responsibility of developing future players are properly trained.
“We are very particular about the quality of youngsters our clubs are producing, hence the need for their coaches to be properly trained, which we are achieving through our partnership with LaLiga.
“Some of the Coaches, who attended past editions of this seminar are now National team coaches, while three of the players from the current U17 team, including the captain, are from our U15 programme. We believe this programme will continue to improve the quality of coaches at grassroots level which will translate into development of better players for our clubs, and by extension, the country,” stressed Dikko.
Also Speaking, LaLiga Global Network delegate to Nigeria, Desmond, reiterated LaLiga’s commitment to the development of football in Nigeria.
“The U15 project is the most important project for us in Nigeria. This is the fifth edition and we have trained over 400 youth coaches and over 900 kids have played in the main tournament.
“We will continue to play our part to aid the development of football in Nigeria through our partnership with the LMC and our other strategic partners.”
The coaching seminar which serves as a precursor to the main U15 Promises tournament has seen over 400 youth coaches trained since its inception in 2017, with this year’s edition being virtual due to the Covid-19 global pandemic.
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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