Sports
‘NFF Reects Coach Waldrum’s W’Cup Roster’
Officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have allegedly rejected coach Randy Waldrum’s roster for the Women’s World Cup, which begins July 20 in Australia and New Zealand.
This is coming just as the federation paid the coach seven months’ salary ($70,000) out of the 14 months owed him.
A source in the Falcons camp told Tidesports source that some NFF officials asked the coach to include an unnamed home-based player in his squad, but the American refused.
This, according to our source, irked the officials, who allegedly vowed that if he didn’t include the player, they won’t allow him to bring in his American assistant for the World Cup.
“They want the coach to take a local player he has never had in camp before nor seen in person. They said if he refused to do so, then they won’t let him bring his assistant coach,” Tidesports source said.
It was also learnt that the initial plan was to have the Falcons camped in Abuja for three weeks from June 20, from where Waldrum would select his final World Cup squad, but the NFF allegedly jettisoned the plan and the Falcons would now travel straight to Australia July 2 for the World Cup.
The new arrangement gives Waldrum just 10 days to prepare his squad for the World Cup.
“Yes, there is information that the team will not camp in Abuja again, and we now leave straight for Australia on July 2,” our source added.
“If this is the case, it means we have only 10 days to prepare for a World Cup!
“It’s a two-day flight, so we will be arriving on July 4. Then you need two days of recovery from travel. So, we start on July 6 to 12.
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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