Sports
NFF Moves To End Players Bonus Rows
Nigeria has adopted a
code of conduct which is designed to make players bonus rows a things of the past.
The code has been devised by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The 18-page document spells out the obligations of the NFF, coaches and players called up to the national team.
It also sets forth expected standards of decorum for all players and makes it clear that violations could result in disciplinary action, fines, suspensions or even expulsions.
The code of conduct has not been made public but has been leaked to BBC Sport.
“Players and officials got a booklet each in Atlanta this week,” said Super Eagles media officer, Ben Alaiya.
He added: “The NFF president (Aminu Maigari) took time to explain to players and officials the importance of this code of conduct.
Several attempts to introduce a code have met with stiff resistance from players in the past.
But the NFF is desperate to avoid a repeat of the dispute that almost caused the Super Eagles to miss last year’s Fifa Confederations Cup in Brazil.
The NFF’s decision to reduce bonuses from $10,000 for a win and $5,000 for a draw to $5,000 and $2,500 respectively upset the players so much that they came within a whisker of boycotting the World Cup dress rehearsal.
The Sports Ministry intervened and made extra money available, eventually allowing the squad to travel to Brazil – two days late and only about 36 hours before Nigeria’s opening game against Tahiti.
The parlous state of the NFF’s finances has led to a cut in backroom staff across all national teams.
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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