Sports
Administrator Calls For Establishment Of Sports Academies
The establishment of functional sports academies in the six geo-political zones of the country has been identified as the only option that can restore Nigeria to her past glory as the pride of Africa in sports.
Reacting in a chat with newsmen in Enugu, regarding the poor performance of African teams in the just- concluded FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria, a renowned sports administrator, Barrister Ndidi Ejimofo explained that her envisaged academies would train students in all aspects of sports, including golf, athletics, hockey, tennis, swimming, wrestling, boxing and football. According to Mrs. Ejimofo, who is the Head of Sports at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC) ,the introduction of the academies in each of the six zones would also solve the problems arising from state of origin as each zone would be well represented.
In her words, ”Entry into the academies should be by competition, just like that of JAMB and products of the academies would be well grounded in education with more emphasis on sports and scholarship scheme could be introduced for indigent students”,.
She described the Golden Eaglets as magicians, having come from poor start to become a formidable force, adding that, African teams had failed to use the hot weather to their advantage to muscle out their European counterparts in the tournament.
She reasoned that with the academies in place, the nation could boast of good squads of well trained athletes and coaches, stressing that for optimum performance, the academy institutes must have facilities for training, including mini Olympic stadia. “I expect that the academies in River-rine areas should have good swimming pools while those in the North should have facilities to train long distance runners as those in Kenya, because of their proximity to the desert”, she further remarked.
Ejimofo, also noted that sports academies were already in operation in other developed nations, adding that it was high time Nigeria introduced same in order to catch them young , even as she frowned at the fire brigade approach by the nation’s sports administrators.
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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