Sports
Balogun Urges Ministry, NFF To Work Together
A renowned sport analyst, Tayo Balogun, yesterday urged the Federal Ministry of Sports and Nigeria Football Federation to work together to ensure successful outing for the Super Eagles at the World Cup.
Balogun told Tidesports source in Ibadan on telephone from his base in the U.S. that the synergy was necessary for a strong outing in Russia.
“I’m agitating for a good cordial synergy between both parties because they have to be on the same page at all times.
“The preparations should be on both the players and of Nigeria’s participation regarding spectators.
“Aside the mapped out friendly matches for the Super Eagles, machineries should also be in place to have as many supporters there as possible.
“Plans should be made for flags and Jerseys to be provided for Nigeria’s supporters in Russia. This will serve as morale boosters for the players.
“I am sure there are several Nigerians resident in Russia and plans should be made ahead to coordinate their support for the Super Eagles,” he said.
Balogun told Tidesprots that Nigeria should also take advantage of Mikel Obi’s wife who happened to be a Russian citizen, to court the support of Russian fans.
“Our captain is married to a Russian and that would aid in us getting some support from Russians.
“This will help in getting some form of empathy from Russians and we should build up on that.
“Russians would know that Nigeria has some kind of tie with them and that will pull some crowd for us,” 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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