Sports
Reps Intervene Over Footballers’ Unpaid Bonuses
The House of Representatives Committee on Sports on Wednesday pledged to wade into the crisis over unpaid bonuses to national football teams players by the Nigeria Football Federation.
Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Ekene Abubakar, stated this in Abuja at a meeting with the NFF at the National Assembly Complex.
The committee and the federation agreed to work together to find lasting solutions to the recurring issue of unpaid bonuses of all national teams players.
When asked to explain the issues surrounding the non-payment of Super Falcons players in their recent World Cup outing, NFF president, Ibrahim Gusau, said the money owed the players would be paid as soon as the federation received grants from FIFA.
Abubakar also charged the NFF to immediately resolve the issues regarding the two affected State FAs (Plateau and Nasarawa) where the Normalisation Committees have been set up.
To resolve the issues, the committee urged the NFF to abide by the statutes, saying, “What we are simply saying following petitions received from the two States Football Associations is that the federation should respect and go back to its statute to restore peace and order in Nigerian football.”
Gusau assured the committee that all pending issues, including elections into State FAs would be resolved within three weeks.
In a related development, the NFF informed the House Committee on Sports that it was still investigating Auwalu Jada, who was suspended from all football-related activities following an allegation of match-fixing, assuring the lawmakers that the Bauchi-born football administrator would be given a fair hearing before a final decision was taken.
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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