Sports
Kwara SWAN Lauds FG Over National Award On Yekini
The Kwara State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, (SWAN) has commended the Federal Government for recognising late football legend, Rashidi Yekini, with a posthumous Member Order of the Niger (MON) award.
The late Yekini, who hailed from Irra, Oyun Council of Kwara State, was an integral part of the Super Eagles’ golden era. He made history in 1994 when he fired Nigeria to the World Cup in the U.S.A and even scored the country’s first-ever goal at the competition.
The late Yekini was among 11 outstanding personalities from Kwara, and 456 Nigerians, who were conferred with national honours. He was also one of the two Kwara indigenes that got the award posthumously. The other was Chief Superintendent of Police, Benedict Okoh Ajide.
According to a statement signed by Kwara SWAN Secretary, Olayinka Owolewa, the honour is a recognition of the contributions of the late striker to the development of football in Nigeria, Africa and the world.
While describing the late awardee as a true patriot, who paid his dues, both at national and international levels with various clubs, SWAN commended the Federal Government on its decision to honour the late Yekini for his services to his fatherland.
Late Yekini, the all-time top goal scorer for Nigeria, had a successful professional career, which spanned more than two decades. He was mainly associated with Vitória de Setúbal in Portugal, but he also played in six other countries besides his own.
Yekini scored 37 goals as a Nigerian international footballer, and represented the nation in seven major tournaments, including two World Cups, where he scored the country’s first-ever goal in the competition.
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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