Sports
Lagos FA Enlists Soldiers For League Matches
The Lagos State Football Association (FA) is currently using soldiers to provide security at National Professional Division One League matches at the First Bank Training Ground, Satellite Town.
The Lagos FA Chairman, Taiwo Afinnih, said the development became necessary as the State Police Command had stayed away from matches from the venue.
The Police stayed away last Sunday when First Bank defeated visiting Anambra Pillars FC of Onitsha 2-1.
However, no fewer than 50 policemen provided security at the venue when Julius Berger defeated Bendel Insurance of Benin 1-0 on May 22.
But the FA officials said the visiting team could have arranged for the police security on their own.
Afinnih, Lagos FA Chairman, told newsmen after the match that the season would soon end and that there was no need to request for police security.
“We do not want to be involved in talks with the police over security at the match venue as the season will soon come to an end,” Afinnih said.
He said that away teams were occasionally involved in the provision of security for their players and officials.
Tidesports learnt that the police withdrew from the venue after an officer was injured by a soldier’s whip on February 6 in a game between First Bank and Crown FC, Ogbomoso.
The incident occurred while the soldier was trying to protect the referee, Idowu Akinwumi, from a mob attack after the match.
Afinnih attributed the police boycott to an alleged abandonment of the injured officer by the FA.
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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