Sports
Matchmakers Vows To Hold Credible Pitch Awards …As Voting Begins, Dec 1
Matchmakers Consult President, Shina Phillips, whose outfit organises the yearly Nigeria Pitch Awards, has pledged that the 2023 edition will live up to its billing as the country’s number one football awards.
Voting for the 2023 edition will start on December 1 and end on January 16, while the awards will hold in March, next year. At an event organised to unveil the voting process and other features of the awards in Lagos last Tuesday, Phillips said the organisers share a common goal with every Nigerian, which is working towards making the country a great footballing nation.
“As organisers of this prestigious football award, we remain committed to our core principles of credibility, transparency and integrity. From inception, we set out by adopting a voting system that is transparent.
“Our voters, who are sports editors and journalists across the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, our partners, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and SIAO Partners, have remained committed to the success of the Nigeria Pitch Awards,” he said.
Philips, who took time to appreciate the media for their support in the last eighth editions of the awards, also congratulated the newly elected NFF president, Ibrahim Gusau, saying, “over the years, he has been a passionate supporter of football in Nigeria and his contributions to the growth of our football, especially at the grassroots level, have not been in doubt
“He is a consummate administrator and team-player. We, therefore, unreservedly express our confidence in his ability to deliver on his mandate and move our football forward.”
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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