Sports
Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Can Host International Matches – Commissioner
Enugu State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Manfred Nzekwe, has said that the facilities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, were functional and up to standard of hosting international matches.
Nzekwe, who made this known to newsmen in Enugu, yesterday, when he visited the stadium, stated that the certification of the stadium by FIFA was “not a fluke” as its scoreboard, floodlights, toilets and other necessary facilities were all in good condition.
“FIFA knows the standard of the stadium before certifying it among the stadiums that will host its matches.
“It’s worth celebrating because the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and League Management Company (LMC), before the ongoing league session, said that the stadium cannot host its matches.
“With the announcement, the Enugu State Government swung into action and upgraded the facilities at the stadium.
“This showed that our efforts in upgrading the stadium in 2020, did not go unnoticed and the state government deserves applause”, he said.
Tidesports source reports that FIFA had certified the stadium, as one of the venues to host its 2022 World Cup qualifier matches, alongside Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, and Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
Also certified were, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt and Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
The commissioner said that he would be glad to see the Super Eagles play one of its World Cup qualifiers and African Nations Cup matches in Enugu, as the stadium was ready for matches at any time of the day.
“We just hosted the NPFL/Laliga under-15 tournament and if not that the organisers rejected night matches, we would have watched the matches under floodlights.
“The organiser said that night matches will be tedious for players in such age grade.
“I can also remember that this stadium hosted an international match in 2016, without hitches,”Nzekwe said.
Nzekwe added that the stadium had all that it took to host international matches, in view of the state’s hospitality, peaceful nature, and fans comportment, before, during and after matches.
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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