Sports
RSFA CALLS FOR READJUSTMENT OF AITEO CUP COMPETITION
By: Tonye Orabere
The acting Chairman of Rivers State Football Association (RSFA) Ibigoni Benjamin Akobo, has called on Nigeria Football Association (NFF) to readjust State AITEO CUP timetable.
He stated that the time and statement sent to State FAs last week seems to be a near failure of the Competition.
Benjamin Akobo, said this in an exclusive interview with Tidesports, on Wednesday, at State basketball court premises, Niger/Bendd street Old Port Harcourt township.
According to him, the deadlines give to State FAs to register clubs, preparation of licenses, commencement of the competition and conclusion is really tasking.
” For them to have waited from January, for only last week to make a statement and send timetable for the Competition was a near failure.
We are not expected to commence registration without given go ahead” Akubo said.
He equally said that this was exactly what happened last year and finally came up to say that States should submit one team.
” Last year too they came up with this delay manner ended up to say States should produce one team” he stated.
On the 26th April, NFF sent letter to State FAs to commence registration of club on Sunday 1st May through 13th, submission of completed players license will be on the 14th May, while commencement of State preliminaries games will be between 15th May to 15th June.
According to the letter, signed by the acting Director Competitions , Ruth David, said the registration fee for men is N50, 000 and women N40, 000, adding each State is expected to submit two teams.
” Registration fee due to NFF must be paid into the Federation’s
Cup Account on or before 14th June, 2022.
Duplicate copies of completed player’s licences and forms must be
submitted to the Federation Cup Office, NFF Secretariat on 14th June,
2022.
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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