Sports
Abridged NPFL, Jan 8 Kickoff Date Is Sacrosanct –Chairman
Nigeria’s elite domestic league Interim Management Committee (IMC) Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye has stressed that the Abridged League format and January 8th Kickoff date for the new football season is sacrosanct, Tidesports source reports.
The kickoff date which was initially fixed for December 28 had to be moved by 10 days, at the instant of the Club Representatives who claimed the December date was not realistic in face of the paucity of funds being experienced by most clubs, but the draw for the new season will still hold on December 28.
Elegbeleye in a chat with The Tidesports source “The new season will be an abridged league format, and the IMC is not shifting ground on it.
“The January 8th kickoff has been agreed on by both parties.”
As regards financial support for clubs going into the new season, Elegbeleye’s response is.
“In one of our forums with football league stakeholders on the way forward for the Nigeria league, it was pointed out that clubs need some kind of cash to help fund their logistics.
“Certainly, the IMC will give the club’s start-up support but I cannot be exact with the figure, as this will be determined by our sponsors.”
Elegbeleye further rejected all the reports that the clubs will get around N200m, as such were mere speculations adding that the clubs will get a takeoff grant.
Elegbeleye wondered if the clubs who are agitating for takeoff grants have been getting much in the last six years.
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.