Sports
Amputee Footballer Seeks More Competitions
A member of the national amputee football team, Ugochukwu Obieze, has urged the management of the Nigeria Amputee Football Federation (NAFF) to ensure that players had enough competitions in 2014.
Obieze made the appeal in Lagos while assessing the federation’s performance in 2013 in an interview with newsmen.
The federation participated in the Cup of Africa Nations for Amputee Football (CANAF) in Nairobi, Kenya from December 5 to December 15 in spite of poor preparations.
They finished in the fourth position among the six countries that participated in the competition.
Obieze said that they were not adequately prepared for the competition as they were not camped and did not undertake any training tour before going to Kenya.
He told newsmen that the players trained on their own and were only assembled a day to the competition, which affected their performance.
Obieze said that the managers of the sport should be proactive in 2014 to develop the players and create the necessary awareness that could attract the “much needed sponsors’’.
According to him, the commitment of the members of the board will bring innovation to the game.
“The board has tried this year but they really need to make extra effort next year, especially in administration and sponsorship drive because those are areas where we have issues.
“We have always had the problem of fire-brigade approach to continental amputee football competitions because of lack of funds and poor patronage by prospective sponsors,’’ the player said.
He urged stakeholders to prepare the annual programme of activities on time and forward the proposal to the National Sports Commission (NSC) for timely provision of funds.
According to him, the Amputee Football Federation of Africa (AFFA) makes its activities available to NAFF early for them to prepare the national team ahead of competitions.
“The federation must form the habit of making adequate preparations for the national team ahead of competitions to enable them to be in proper shape for successful performances,’’ he said.
Obieze also urged the federation to improve on its sponsorship drive and on the players’ welfare.
“All hands must be on deck to promote amputee football. The board members can provide training kits, sponsor friendly matches and organise local competitions,’’ he said.
The player called on the state associations to collaborate with the national body in promoting the sport at the grassroots.
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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