Sports
Judgement On NFF’s Missing Dollars For June 10
An Abuja Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, reserved till June 10, judgement on the case of missing 236,000 dollars at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Chief Magistrate David Ochimana, who tendered his unreserved apology before the court said he was unable to prepare the judgement as a result of other judicial issues which needed attention.
“I apologise for not being able to make available the NFF missing dollars judgment scheduled for today.
“This is in view of other issues attended to. I promise to make do with the judgement on the next possible date given by this court,” Ochimana pleaded.
Mr E.E Itah, counsel to John Adelowo, noted that Nigerians were awaiting the judgement as there had been speculations that the judgement would be delivered after the NFF election.
The money was declared missing from the NFF’s secretariat on March 19, 2009 and the case has since then suffered many adjournments.
After preliminary investigations, police had arrested 12 suspects and arraigned them on May 5, with seven of them discharged on September 23, 2009.
Ochimana had ruled then, that the prosecution had failed to make a prima facie case against those discharged.
The remaining accused, John Adelowo, Lukeman Ajiboye, Abutu Ogaji, Isaac Baba and Yakubu Bawa are now awaiting the judgement.
The five had since been facing a four-count charge of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, theft and negligence.
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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