Sports
Edo FA Holds Elective Congress
As the political storm and related hullabaloo that have since crippled the electoral process in the Edo State Football Association have already been laid to rest by the fact-finding mission of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), it is now certain that the political process will surely run to its conclusion and enthrone new leadership for the heartbeat FA board.
The long-awaited Edo FA Elective Congress has been scheduled for Friday, November 17,2023 in accordance with the decisions and agreement reached during the conflict resolution meeting with the NFf delegates on Monday.
In the notice for the election signed by the new Edo FA, secretary Andrew Ohwifo on Wednesday November 15,2023, the election is scheduled to hold at the Nigeria Air Force Base, Airport Road, Benin City.Time is 11AM.
Participants expected in the process include delegates elected from the (18) Local Goverment Football Councils, and the Statutory delegates from the Referee Association ( Edo Referee council) , Nigeria coaches Association ( Edo state chapter), Premier League representatives ( Bendel Insurance Fc), Nigeria Women Football League ( Edo Queens Fc), Nigeria Women Amateur League ( Fortress Ladies FC), Nation-wide League NLO( Rolly FC). The aforementioned delegates are to decide who leads the new Executive Board of the Edo State Football Association on Friday in Benin City.
The five candidates duly screened and cleared for the chairmanship position are Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, Engr Emmanuel Edekin Imiere, Johnbull Edosomwan, Egbon Victor and Benjamin Owerei.
Kindness Ohiowele,a serving member of the EFA board is the only candidate for the position of the vice chairman and will be returned unopposed.
Seven candidates are contesting for membership positions, which include three current board members. They are Amadin Stephen, Charles Olubayo, Faith Ojeaga. Others are Mike Uhuanmwangho, Mikhail Osakpomwan Igbinovia, Kennedy Ugbodaga, and former board member Paul Ojeisekhoba.
Recall that a high powered three man delegation was sent to Benin City on Monday by the NFF to look into the issues in the Edo FA Elections process.
The NFF fact finding team led by the Vice-President of the Federation Felix Anyansi Agwu, with Alhaji Babagana Kali and Ali Abubakar as members did justice to the issues after a peaceful deliberation with the outgoing Edo FA Board Dr Moses Aghedo in attendance with some other stakeholders of the game in the state, including four championship candidates, local FA chairmen and statutory delegates.
The Anyansi led NFf delegation after their findings, affirmed the major decisions so far taken by the outgoing board,paving the way for the continuation of the electoral process that has suffered several postponements.
Meanwhile,the outgoing Edo FA chairman Dr Aghedo Moses has expressed gratitude to Edo state Government, the Nigeria Football Federation( NFF)and all Edo Football lovers
for their intervention in ensuring restoration of normalcy and peace to the Edo state football family.
“I can’t wait to handover to the new Board of the Edo FA.” Dr Aghedo reacted why speaking with the Observer sports.
While assuring all the contestants of a level playing ground and a hitch free exercise, Dr Aghedo urged all the candidates and other stakeholders to cooperate with the Electoral and Appeal committees headed by SP Saturday Okao (rtd) and Mr Osamudiamen Osagiede respectively to enable them complete the process on Friday.
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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