Sports
NFF Bans Visitors In S’Eagles Camp
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has warned anybody without genuine business with the Super Eagles to stay away from the team’s Eko Hotel camp.
The Super Eagles are camped in Eko Hotel ahead of the first of two Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying matches against Central African Republic (CAR). The Eagles will meet CAR in Lagos tomorrow and face the same team again on October 10 in Douala, Cameroun.
Victory in both matches will give Nigeria an unassailable lead in Group C of the World Cup African qualifying series.
As at yesterday evening, only four players were in the camp, but officials of the team told Tidesports source that they expected the number to swell to 20 later yesterday.
The players already in the camp are Russia-based Chidera Ejuke, Chidozie Awaziem, who plays in Portugal, Germany-based Jamilu Collins and goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, who flew in from his South Africa base.
Coach Gernot Rohr and his assistants, as well as the back up staff are also in the camp.
The team is expected to take their preparation to the Teslim Balogun Stadium today following the expected arrival of 16 more players last night.
A Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official, who pleaded anonymity, told Tidesports source yesterday that the federation has directed that anybody without an official business in the Eagles’ camp should not be allowed near the venue.
He said, “We want to ensure the players are not distracted from their main mission in the camp.
“We know some people will want to see the players, but this is not the time for that. We are here for serious business.”
The federation at the weekend drafted Union Berlin striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, into the Eagles team as a late replacement for
Terrem Moffi, who has been ruled out by injury.
Apart from Moffi, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo and Alex Iwobi have all withdrawn from the games due to injuries.
Meanwhile, the NFF is still awaiting CAF’s decision on the stipulated number of fans to be allowed in the stands to watch the Group C game.
The federation explained, “due to the existing Covid-19 protocol, capacity of a stadium no longer decides the level of attendance. Only CAF can decide the number of fans to allow into any home game.
“We are however waiting for CAF’s decision even though it is almost certain now that match tickets may not be available to the public.”
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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