Sports
Coach Solicits Inclusion Of Grassroots Football In Budget
The Head Coach of Diamond Football Academy of Port Harcourt, Ben Peters, has appealed to the Rivers State Government to include grassroots football coaches in the state budget yearly.
He disclosed that, almost all the grassroots football coaches were suffering because they were spending their time and money on the youth by bringing them into the football world.
Peters, who is popularly called, “Coach Nanaa,” made the appealed on Wednesday in an exclusive interview with Tidesports just after the Bright Stars football academy defeated his boys 3-0 at the ongoing Sir P Under-13 football competition, at the Rumuwoji football pitch in Port Harcourt.
He stated that, as grassroots coaches, what they were doing was to see how they can cut off the youth from restiveness and become useful to the society.
“ What we are doing as grassroots coaches is to see how we can get the children out of the street and they become useful to society.
We need the presence of the government, by including the grassroots football coaches in their budget yearly; that will further motivate us to carry out our duty efficiently.
As growing children, they need our support and advice.
We spend our time and money on these children because when they were not energized, they are bound to involve themselves in different activities that will not yield good results.
The government itself is not trying, almost all the grassroots coaches are suffering.
Coach Nanaa, who was also head coach of the disbanded Eleme United FC, further explained that, grassroots football academy is dying because of lack of sponsorship.
“We need sponsorship in the grassroots team, because today, a lot have gained from the system,” he said.
By: Kiadum Edookor
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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