Sports
17th NSF: ‘Handballers Can Sweep Medals For Rivers’
Inspite of the difficult times being faced by Handball in Rivers State, Chief Coach of the State’s amateur Handball Association, Mr. Pat Innoma-West, has declared that handballers can sweep the stakes at the forthcoming 17th National Sports Festival, (NSF), to be hosted by the state.
Speaking to Tidesprots in a recent interview at premises of Alfred Diete- Spiff Sports Complex, the coach said that the state’s male and female handball teams have the potentials to dominate the festival and claim the gold medals next year.
He hinged his confidence on the performances of the State’s teams at the recently concluded national handball competition in Minna, Niger State.
According to Innoma-West, the States’ Under-21 and under-18 female teams finished first and second, respectively, while their males’ Under-18 counterparts placed third in the tournament.
The State also contributed 16 players to the National team for a recent continental tournament in which Nigeria excelled.
The coach therefore, believes that the game should be taken more seriously by Sports authorities in the state.
“Our performances in recent competitions should attract attention to the game and association in the state, especially, because of our potentials for laurels,” he stated.
Coach Innoma-West, however, regretted that handball was not getting the attention it deserves in the state.
“Handball is suffering in the state, we’re not getting the attention we deserve,” said the coach.
He disclosed that the last time the association participated in outside competition before the recent Minna trip was 18 years ago, and called for the provision of adequate facilities to ensure that the abundant talents in the state are effectively harnessed.
He further commended the leadership of the handball association in the state and its patrons for their efforts in revamping the fortunes of the game.
Grace Nwaimo
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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