Sports
FIFA Ban: Siasia Expresses Disappointment On FG
Former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, says he is disappointed with the Federal Government of Nigeria for not coming to his aid during his ordeal with FIFA.
Recalled the former Super Eagles striker was banned for life and fined 50,000 Swiss Francs for match-fixing back in August 2019.
The Court of Arbitration for Sports CAS) has this week on appeal reduced the life ban to five years, two and half of which has been served by the coach.
Addressing journalists in Abuja last Friday on the outcome of his appeal, and Siasia who coached the national team from the U-20 to the Super Eagles said he is disappointed with how he was neglected by the Government.
“The government has not done well in my case and I’m not happy, I don’t know if Buhari doesn’t watch TV or the minister is afraid of approaching him. The ex-internationals have been neglected, not just me alone, now they said they gave us houses after 27-years and we should jump up and clap.
“Let’s say the facts I’m not insulting anyone, but very disappointed”.
Siasia also took his time to react to the talks in the media that he squandered his earnings while he was making waves.
“I don’t understand why some people keep saying what I’ve done with my money, the 50 thousand dollars is my money, I trained 30 to 40 players in this country, including the likes Mikel and other big players.
“If I didn’t train these guys, what would have become of them, and people will say, what have you done with your money, but I know what I’ve done, I invested in human beings.”
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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