Sports
2 Nigerians Make Africa’s ITTF Cadet Challenge Team
Two Nigerians are in the team selected to represent Africa at the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Cadet Challenge and Junior Circuit finals in India from November 1 to November 7.
Segun Oguntade, Secretary, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), disclosed to Tideports source on Monday in Lagos that Nigeria and Egypt would represent Africa at the event.
Oguntade named the players as Fatimo Bello and Azeez Ogunlade who took part at the African Junior and Cadet Championships in Cairo, Egypt in June.
He also said that the players participated at the Africa Junior Championships in Congo Brazzaville where they showed outstanding performances.
“They were invited along with the Egyptian team based on their excellent performance in Cairo,’’ he said.
According to him, the Nigerian players will depart the country on October 22 aboard an Egypt Air aircraft to undergo training with the Egyptians to blend before the competition.
The NTTF Secretary said that Bose Kaffo, a former female table tennis African champion had also been invited to coach the Africa female team and Kasali Lazeez to handle the male.
Oguntade expressed confidence that the players would do well at the competition as they had been training to improve their skill prior to the invitation.
“The invitation came at the right time because the players had been in training without relenting, so their training in Egypt will put them in tournament form,’’ he said.
Oguntade said that the players and coaches were being sponsored by the Africa Table Tennis Federation.
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.
-
News1 day agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business17 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Business17 hours agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Rivers17 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Nation1 day agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
News1 day agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers17 hours agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
Rivers17 hours agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH