Sports
NFA Boss Gives Self Pass Mark
Chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Alhaji
Aminu Maigari, on Wednesday in Abuja said he was satisfied with the
achievements of his administration, in spite of challenges.
Maigari made the remark while speaking to newsmen on the
achievements of his administration which came into existence on August 26, 2010
after a disputed election.
He said that the challenges of developing football in the
country were huge but assured that his administration would not fold its arms
and watch things go wrong.
“We are grateful to God for bringing NFA to this position,
in spite of all odds and challenges that we believe are coming to an end
gradually.
“We have achieved so much; the results are so obvious with
the qualification of the U-17 female team for the world cup in Azerbaijan.
“The Falconets are already in the semi-finals of the U-20
World Cup in Japan and by the grace of God they will lift the trophy this time.
“I use this medium to urge Nigerians to pray for them as we
have provided all the girls’ need to emerge victorious, “ he said.
The FA boss said the 2010 African Women Championship (AWC)
won by the Falcons in South Africa was another major achievement, listing the
home-based Super Eagles and the appointment of Stephen Keshi, the team’s Head
Coach as the biggest of them all.
He said that the football house had been flooded with more
than 25 court cases but assured that they were giving each of them the desired
attention.
Maigari said that he would not be deterred from taking
necessary decisions to develop Nigeria’s football, adding that some Nigerians
were bent on destroying the structure of the game.
The NFA chairman lamented the poor funding of football in
Nigeria, saying it had posed the major challenge to the administration of the
sport.
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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