Sports
Boxers Upbeat About Ghana Tour …Ahead Youth Olympics
Eight boxers picked for a tour of Ghana ahead of the Youth Olympics trials in Azerbaijan are upbeat about the tour, saying it will give them exposure.
The boxers, who are among the 16 in camp for the April trials have commended the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) for organising the training tour.
One of the boxers, Agbaje Taiwo, told newsmen in Lagos that the tour would expose them to more techniques.
“The NBF have really tried by organising the training tour, they don’t want to leave any stone unturned in our preparations by making sure that we are equipped to excel.
“We have been under serious training with fellow Nigerian boxers as sparing partners but this tour will intensify our training on how to face opponents from other countries,’’ he said.
Another boxer, Nnamdi Kenneth, said the tour came at the right time as some of them had not fought outside the country before and so had limited exposure.
“The national trials was the first stage but the Ghana tour is a big plus because we will face non-Nigerians and know how to face the main competition,’’ he said.
For Waidi Sogbamu, the tour will expose the boxers to modern facilities and a better training gym.
“The gym at the National Stadium, Lagos, is in bad shape, all the facilities are worn out but in Ghana, I am sure there will be a difference and we need it,’’ he said.
NBF Secretary Patrick Uwagbale also said that the tour was part of the federation’s effort to prepare them adequately for the trials.
“Many of them will be having their first outing, so the tour will help them to be in competition shape and to silence stage fright during the fight next month.
“They have been in camp at the Games Village, Lagos, and the coaches have been drilling them. We want to maximise all avenues for them to be adequately ready,’’ he said.
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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