Sports
National Council On Sports Satisfied With Rivers Preparation
The National Council on Sports in Nigeria has acknowledged with satisfaction, the preparations of Rivers State Government towards the hosting of the 17th National Sports festival tagged Garden City Games, next year.
The council’s satisfaction and commendation was contained in a 10 point communiqué issued at the end of the 17th National Council on Sports meeting which was concluded at the Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt at the weekend.
The council also commended the support of the state government towards a successful hosting of meeting which lasted three days.
According to the communiqué which was made available to Tidesports, the council viewed what it called “the issue of football maladministration in the country very critically and unequivocally directed the National Sports Commission, NSC, to do everything to restore sanity, transparency, stability and credibility to Nigerian football.”
On this area the council further decided to send a letter of commendation to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua for his foresight in setting up the Presidential committee on FIFA 2010 World Cup qualification.
The council has, however, approved the revised national sports policy and national sports festival rules and regulations and decided that the trophies for the first three positions at the National Sports festival be named after “Gen. Dr. Yakubu Gowon. GCFR, Chief Jeremiah Enyeazu and Mr. Nohim Maiyegun and should also be provided by the National Sports Commission.
The council further adopted the National Sports Commission’s blue print for the development of community sports centres to be established in all the local government areas of Nigeria.
Approval was also given to the report of the 16th National Sports Festival (Kada 2009) as amended and the decision of the commission to establish sports development centres in each zone.
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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