Sports
NFF’s AGA For Nov 13 In Uyo
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has concluded plans to now host the severally postponed Annual General Assembly on November 13 in Uyo, a day after the Nigeria World Cup qualifier against Algeria.
This is the outcome of a meeting held in Abuja on Monday between some chieftains of the football house.
At that meeting, it was resolved that board members, state FA chairmen and secretaries should all converge in Uyo for the November 12 World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Algeria and the next day, the AGA will hold at the Le Meridien hotel, camp base of the Super Eagles.
The proponents of this idea believe this is the only way they can cut cost and maximise the little money available.
It was further revealed that the secretariat of the football house has put forward a budget of 40 million Naira to the NFF president whose priority for now is sourcing for monies to successfully prosecute Nigeria’s vital World Cup qualifier with Algeria in Uyo.
Top on the agenda of the 2016 AGA will be Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup qualification, the journey so far, reviewing the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League season and deciding a new kick-off date for the new season, among others.
NFF president Amaju Pinnick, who was in Abuja Monday, has been briefed on this new date as an official announcement is expected anytime soon.
It also understood that the Governor of Akwa Ibom State Udom Emmanuel will officially declare the event open on November 13.
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.