Sports
NTA Takes Delivery Of World Cup Equipment, Today
Mr Ayodeji Osibogun, the Chairman of Will Trade Services (WTS) company, has assured Nigerians that some upgraded NTA digital broadcast equipment, meant for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Nigeria 2009, are being expected to be delivered.
Worried by the continuous delay of the equipment, both the House and Senate Committees on Information at various fora, summoned all stakeholders including NTA and Bureau of Public Procurement.
The committees also summoned the Ministry of Information and Communications WTS company and Debt Management Office to resolve the issue.
The stakeholders, with an assurance from Osibogun, however, agreed that the equipment would now be fully delivered in Nigeria and received by NTA on or before December 10.
Osibogun said during a facility tour of some of the equipment already delivered at the NTA broadcast studio at the National Stadium Abuja, on Monday, attributed the delay to bureaucratic set up.
He recalled that the contract, which was awarded on July 17, 2009, for the upgrading and renovation of broadcast equipment for Nigeria 2009, at N8.9 billion, could not be delivered on schedule as government was not forthcoming with its 15 per cent of the contract sum.
Osibogun, a broadcaster, said the payment of remaining 85 per cent of the contract sum by the Federal Government and absence of a letter of credit as well as bank guarantee, made the contract to suffer some set back.
He said it was not until March 29, after fulfilling all the conditions stipulated by the financial institutions, that the company commenced the process of delivery as stipulated in the terms of the contract.
Osibogun, who is the sole distributor of SONY products in Africa, showed newsmen all the equipment already delivered and upgraded to world class standard, being installed in NTA studio at the stadium.
“In consideration of the 15 per cent part funding provided by NTA, WTS upgraded and refurbished part of the International Broadcast Centre (IBC) from Standard Definition (SD) to High Definition (HD),’’ he said.
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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