Sports
Generator Sales Boom As W/Cup Begins
Generator dealers in Nigeria, especially, Asaba are enjoying an unusual boom due to the 2010 FIFA World Cup which began on Friday in South Africa.
Some of the dealers said that they had recorded more than a 50 per cent increase in sales in the last one week.
They attributed the increase in sales to the erratic power supply from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) which residents did not want to depend on during the Mundial.
“We have recorded an increase in our generator sales by as much as 50 per cent in the last one week,” a dealer, Mr Anthony Ifebilo said.
According to him, people have been rushing to buy generators, especially the small sizes popularly known as “I better pass my neighbour.’’
Mr Philip Anene confirmed Ifebilo’s comments saying, “We are enjoying tremendous sales in the last one week.
“This showed that Nigerians really have value for football and it also goes to show that PHCN performance is not encouraging at all.’’
In spite of the increase in the sales of generators, the prices have remained stable.
Mr Uzoma Ezemba, said that though there had been an increase in the sale of generators, the prices had remained stable.
“For example, Blue Tiger brand that has been selling for N12,500 still sells for the same amount and Tiger TM which price is N14,000 has also not changed,” he said.
Some residents of Asaba said that they had been sourcing for money to buy generators, so as not to miss any of the World Cup matches.
Mr Moses Umukoro, a civil servant said: “I don’t want to rely on power from PHCN during this period; they have not been encouraging in the last two months in Asaba.’’
Mr George Alawe, another resident, said, “I am buying this generator because I want to watch all the matches.’’
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.