Sports
2017, Most Defining Year For Nation’s Football House – Olajire
The Director of Media and Communications, Mr Ademola Olajire, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has described 2017 as the most defining year for the nation’s Football House following the expectations and successes recorded.
Olajire made this known in an interview with newsmen in Lagos, while reflecting on the activities of the football house for 2017. He said that the past year was one of the toughest tests for the football house in its resolution to move football to the next level.
Olajire said 2017 was a fruitful and eventful year with many landmark achievements recorded, adding that 2018 would be better.
“It has been a defining year for NFF, because of the high expectations; this is so because many people expected us to falter during the World Cup qualifications.
“It is true that we are placed in the group many referred to as “Group of Death, but we survived taking the sole ticket with a match to spare, that is a notable achievement.
“It is instructive to know that the Super Eagles qualified for the double header, The CHAN 2018 and the 2018 World Cup in Russia. These are some of the positives for the year 2017.
“In the political arena, the President of NFF was voted into the CAF Executive Committee, and was also made member of the CAF Emergency Committee and Organising Committee of FIFA,’’ he said.
Olajire said the football house would build on the successes recorded in 2017 to do better in 2018, adding that it would ensure a decent outing for the Eagles at the World Cup.
“We need to build on the successes of 2017 to achieve better this year, because other countries are also watching us; so we need to be at our best and keep working hard.
“All the departments of NFF are working; from the boardroom to the administrative staff, we want to achieve success even as the Eagles are preparing for the World Cup.
“The NFF is on top of the Eagles preparations and also the CHAN Eagles that participated in the Super Six tournament. That is the first phase of their preparation.
“The second phase of the preparation for the CHAN Eagles is already going on in Abuja where training is intensified, work is ongoing before they will depart for Morocco,’’ he said.
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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