Sports
LMC Must Take Strict Measures Against Erring Clubs – Ezeji
Former Enyimba player, Victor Ezeji, has urged the League Management Company (LMC) to ensure strict measures on erring clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League (EPFL)to prevent unruly behaviours from managements and fans.
The call is coming on the heels of match-day one of the 2021/22 NPFL season which was marred by some drama at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina and Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode last Sunday.
In Katsina, Enugu Rangers players and officials were held hostage by home fans following their 2-1 win against hosts Katsina United. While at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, visiting Wikki Tourists allegedly refused to honour their match-day one clash against Sunshine after the Bauchi side was unable to register their newly recruited players due to a transfer ban by FIFA.
The match was later on Monday, postponed indefinitely in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Harry Iwuala.
Reacting to the incidents, the NPFL legend told newsmen that to prevent future occurrences, the LMC must clamp down on erring clubs.
“I know there is no way we will have a smooth league without controversy but for me, this should be corrected. It is only when they happen and are not corrected that it becomes an issue, he said.
“You cannot rule things like this out of the NPFL but by the time LMC took a look at what happened and took stiff measure I am very sure they won’t happen again because I believe LMC needs to take strict measure to prevent these things from happening again.”
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.