Sports
Nigerian Football Family Mourns Chukwu’s Mother’s Death
The remains of the late Mrs Rebecca Ezinne, mother of former Green Eagles Captain, Christian Chukwu, will be buried in Enugu State today.
The Chief Media Officer, Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Ademola Olajire, stated this in a statement in Lagos.
Ezinne died during a brief illness last December
“I am inviting all my friends in the football family to join me in paying the last respects to my wonderful mother,’’ it quoted Chukwu as saying.
It said that a church service at St. Phillips Anglican Church, Umuikeowo Community, Obe Town, Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, would precede the internment.
The statement said the country’s football family was expected to commiserate with Chukwu, who captained the Green Eagles to lift the African Cup of Nations in 1980.
It noted that Chukwu was assistant coach of the team when it won the trophy for the second time in Tunisia in 1994.
He was also the assistant coach when the Super Eagles participated at their first FIFA World Cup finals in the U.S. in 1994, it said.
The statement also noted that the man fondly called “Chairman’’ was the Head Coach of the Super Eagles between 2002 and 2005.
It quoted the NFA President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, as saying that the association would be well represented at the burial.
“Chairman Chukwu served this nation excellently and credibly as a player and as a coach and is still serving as a member of the NFA Technical Committee.
“The NFA will be well represented at the burial of his mother,’’ the statement 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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