Sports
Ajayi Wins Ondo FA Election
Dele Ajayi has been returned as elected Chairman of the Ondo State Football Association.
Ajayi, in an election which took place at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure, defeated his closest rival, Akin Akinbobola. He won after polling 14 votes, with Akinbobola scoring seven votes, while one vote was voided out of a total of 22 votes.
Henry Akingboju failed to earn a vote, in spite of being a contestant with a voting right.
Aderemi Adetula emerged the Vice-Chairman of the association with 18 votes as against Umar Lanre Umar’s one vote with three votes voided.
Ajayi later said the election would usher in a new dawn in Ondo State football.
He said he would work with all stakeholders to ensure that football moved forward in the state.
Dele Ologbese had withdrawn from the race prior to the start of the process.
Ajayi, after he had been sworn in by Abisola Fadehan, a barrister, congratulated fellow contestants for putting up a brave fight in the election.
“All of us are going to unite together as one football family. We are all winners. We will all move Ondo State forward.
“Other stakeholders have been calling since morning all over the country. We will work with them and ensure that we move football forward in Ondo State,” he told Tidesports source.
Other members elected into the board are TokunboAkinyelure and BabatundeAkinbinu, from the central district.
From the southern district, Zion Ogunfeyinmi, Samuel Patani and AkindipeAkisola, were elected into the board.
From the northern district, Aborowa Gabriel and Muhammed Abioldun joined the Vice-Chairman on the board.
Tidesports source gathered that Ibrahim Gusau, a member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), represented the federation at the event.
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.