Sports
NFF Crisis: We ’re Obeying Court Order – Minister
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, says Chris Giwa remains the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President as declared by the Supreme Court judgment on April 27.
Dalung told newsmen on Monday in Abuja that the ministry was operating under the rule of law and obeying the court ruling.
The minister was reacting to FIFA President, Gianni Infantino’s comment that the world football governing body only recognises Amaju Pinnick as president of NFF.
Tidesports source reports that Infantino at a news conference in Russia had said that Pinnick remains NFF president and that the body would not accept any interference in NFF’s affairs.
Dalung, however, said he was not informed of FIFA’s decision, adding that he was yet to receive any letter from FIFA that the body was only recognising Pinnick as president of NFF.
“FIFA has not written me that they recognise one person over the other and you know government does not operate on rumour, government is administration.
“The leadership in NFF, I think is very categorical. The Federal High court in Jos has rolled orders, I as a co-defendant was served with the order, ordering me to recognise Giwa as the president.
“That is the order against me and I have done that, the order to the Inspector General of police is that he should go and put Giwa in office.
“The Attorney-General of the Federation has done his job. So we are living under the rule of law and we are following the rule.
“If the court says today, Giwa is not the president of NFF and I’m served with a court order, I will obey.
“Don’t forget, when Pinnick sued Giwa in the court of appeal and got judgment, I obeyed the judgment for over two years.
“Then, I didn’t hear anybody talking of interferences. Government is not interfering, we are only acting according to court orders,’’ he said.
Dalung advised FIFA to look deeper into the NFF crisis and assist to proffer lasting solutions rather than talking about interference.
Tidesports source also reports that the NFF has Chris Giwa as its president presently, owing to a compliance with court order.
Giwa had obtained a Jos court order to take over the running of affairs at the NFF in compliance with a Supreme Court order.
The apex court had directed all parties involved in the matter to return to the lower court for another look at the case against NFF’s September 30, 2014 elections in Warri.
It would be recalled that Giwa had insisted that his earlier election on July 24, 2014 in Abuja should stand, while Pinnick’s election in Warri took place contrary to laid-down regulations.
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.