Sports
NSF: RSG Promises Best Facilities For Games
Rivers State Government has re-assured the people of the state that all facilities to be used in the 17th National Sports Festival tagged “Garden City Games” billed to hold in Port Harcourt, early next year would be the best and test runned before the commencement of the sports fiesta.
Hon Boma Iyaye, Commissioner for Sports in the state gave the assurance when he paid an unscheduled visit to the site for the game which is under construction.
The commissioner expressed satisfaction with the level of the ongoing construction work, especially the nine lane international standard swimming pool.
“I am particularly very happy over the level of work at the site, I am really impressed, especially the swimming pool. That is near completion”, Iyaye said.
He called on the contracting firm, Veltrop Nig Ltd to expedite action, in spite of the fact that they just received the pre-fabricated panels and urged them to begin the installation of the panels on the pool next week.
Engr Goddy Nduaka, who represented the company assured the state government that the pool would be ready soon, saying that their partners from Spain would be in the country this week to continue the work.
“Auxiliary facilities such as the viewing centre, technical rooms and other important areas of the pool will also be ready and tested before the games”, he said.
Engr Nduaka, commended the state government for effectively playing her part in terms of finance, adding that the contractor is now owing the government and the people of the state, a responsibility to deliver the pool on time.
However, he expressed sadness over the poor state of the access road leading to the project site.
It would be recalled that the state Governor, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi had earlier said that he would be one of the first persons that would swim in the swimming pool when completed.
Tonye Orabere
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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