Sports
Clubs, IMC Set To Disagree Over NPFL Format
In the latest twist to the protracted start of a new Nigeria Professional Football League season, NPFL clubs under the umbrella of ‘club owners’ have distanced themselves from the draw of an abridged league for the 2022/23 season scheduled for Wednesday in Abuja by the Interim Management Committee, Tidesports source reports.
Arising from their meeting on December 21, the IMC, in a circular dated December 22, had informed clubs of the draw schedule ahead of the incoming season.
“Be informed that the draws for the 2022/2023 abridged season of the Nigeria Professional Football League is scheduled to take place as follows: Date: 28th December 2022, Time: 12:00pm, Venue: Sandralia Hotel, Abuja,” the statement read in part.
However, Chairman of the NPFL club owners, Isaac Danladi, claimed it was not a representation of their agreement during the meeting, adding that 16 members of the clubs’ representatives voted for a straight league, while four voted for an abridged format.
“We have already said we cannot be part of the draw because what the IMC came out with is not a reflection of our decision at the meeting. When we met on Wednesday, they were rooting for an abridged league format.
“When we were proposing a straight league, there was an impasse, and it was agreed in the house that our positions will be forwarded to the NFF for further action so that we can come to a meeting point,” Danladi told Tidesports source.
He added, “The next day we received circulars that we should go for an abridged league saying that that draw will hold December 28. They never told us that there will be a draw on that day, what they did was they suggested whether the league could December 28, but we suggested January 8, 2023. For us to have suggested that, it means we are ready to play. So, we were expecting a straight league, only to get circulars for an abridged league.
“So, we have already written to our members, dissociating ourselves from that circular.”
Chairman of the IMC, Gbenga Elegbeleye, had maintained that the position of the IMC on the league remained unchanged, saying the body had been given the go-ahead by the NFF to adopt an abridged format.
“The league will start January 8, 2023 with draws for December 28 on 100 per cent abridged format, any club not ready might decide to leave.
“The NFF advised we should go for an abridged league.”.
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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