Sports
NFF Upholds Sanctions On Clubs
The Organising and Disciplinary Committee of the NFF has upheld sanctions against violent clubs and players in the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPL.
The committee upheld the League Management Committee’s decision against Rangers to play six home matches behind closed doors as a result of violent scenes that followed their Week 3 home game against Warri Wolves.
The committee also invited Rangers duo of Seun Taro and lanky defender Pierre Coly who were handed season long bans after allegedly assaulting the centre referee at the end of the disputed game against Warri Wolves.
The players are expected to appear before the committee without excuse on May 30 in Abuja.
Kaduna United were also ordered to play five home games behind closed doors after their fans attacked and assaulted match officials as well as the cameraman of visiting Enugu Rangers in a Week 4 encounter. United were also ordered to pay a fine of N200, 000 along with the medical bills of the injured referees.
The committee also upheld the LMC’s decision to order a replay of the Week 8 game between Kano Pillars and Heartland after violent scenes broke out which culminated in a home fan being shot accidentally by a police officer.
The game will now be played on the 30th at the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja.
No date was fixed for the Week 10 and Week11 between Lobi Stars v Enyimba and Nasarawa v Wikki Tourists respectively, as well as the protracted game between Wikki Tourists and Rangers.
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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