Sports
MFM’s Relegation, Bad Omen For Lagos -Akanni
Former Lagos State Football Association Chairman, Waidi Akanni, has described the relegation of MFM FC from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) as a bad omen for the state.
He said Lagos football lovers will begin to understand what has happened to the state when the 2022/2023 NPFL season begins without a club representing them.
Olukoya Boys confirmed their relegation to the Nigerian National League (NNL) when they lost at home to Niger Tornadoes in their Matchday 36 game on Sunday.
Speaking to news men on Monday, Akanni said signs that the team would go down became obvious towards the end of last season when the club did not improve on its staff, adding that it was obvious that they needed some quality players to beef up the team for the current season.
“The recruitment of players for the current season was very faulty. The club also did not get adequate support from their fans. I think the Lagos FA should have done more for Lagos teams playing in the various leagues,” he said.
The former international said the NPFL has been destroyed by petty politics, adding that the MFM’s policy of not bribing anybody to gain an advantage in matches also worked against the club.
“The club does not align with the kind of politics that goes on in our league. Our league needs revival because what we have here in Lagos now are tons of grassroots football academies. Because of the lack of incentives for clubs playing in our domestic leagues, individuals now prefer to run academies where they can raise players and export them.
“What the club now need to do is to start rebuilding through a recruiting process done professionally. Teams get relegated, but the ability to come back is key,” he said.
Akanni advised the owners of the club to brace up for the battle in the lower league.
While calling on their fans and encouragement to continue supporting the players, “I will not say it will be painful losing MFM FC to NNL, but Lagos will surely miss a top-flight football. I hope we have one club back in the NPFL soon,” he said.
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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