Sports
17th NSF: Rivers Committed To Hosting,Winning – Sports Director
Rivers State Director of Sports, Sir Daobu Harry has reaffirmed the commitment of Rivers State to hosting the 17th edition of the National Sports Festival with the aim of emerging tops on the medals table.
He however, said that the state was determined to win fairly.
Speaking in an interview with Tidesports recently in his office, Harry noted that everybody was working hard to ensure that the state achieves the desired set goal.
“Honestly, I can assure you that Rivers athletes, coaches and administrative officers in the sports council are all working round the clock to ensure that no stone is left unturned in terms of adequate preparation”, he said.
He continued that athletes were busy in their build ups in the 25 sporting events to be competed for, and expressed the belief that they would go into close camping for intensive preparations soon.
He added that the athletes have been given the necessary motivation by the state government to perform creditably at the “Garden City Games 2010”.
Speaking on the state of sporting facilities to be used for the National Sports fiesta, Harry noted that all necessary facilities for the game would be ready before November 20th commencement date.
“Work at the stadium site is seriously in progress and above all the contractor in charge of facilities has assured that everything would be ready before the commencement of the sports festival on November 20th”, he said.
Sir Harry, explained that should the contractors fail to the meet deadline, there is nothing the state government would do other than to fall back on option B, which has to do with upgrading the old facilities on ground.
Rivers State has earlier hosted the festival in 1988.
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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