Sports
Ogundele, Adeniyi Clinch Asoju-Oba Cup
Rasheedat Ogundele and Kazeem Adeniyi emerged winners of the women’s and men’s singles finals of the 42nd Asoju-Oba Table Tennis Championships respectively.
Ogundele of Union Bank Table Tennis Club, Lagos proved her mettle by defeating her clubmate, Ganiat Olatunde 4-3.
Women’s singles defending champion, Atinuke Olaide lost to Ogundele in the semi-final cracker, while Gbenga Anthony, men’s single’s defending champion was not released by his Portugal club to defend his title.
Triumphant Ogundele told journalist after the game that she was elated to have defeated Olatunde who was skillful, noting that she gave glory to God who saw her through.
“I am happy that I emerged the winner of this year’s edition, it was a long time target though the game was tough but I guess I was more experienced,” she said.
Meanwhile, Olatunde who admitted that she lost to a better player also blamed fatigue and the poor lighting of the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, venue of the competition.
Adeniyi, winner of the Men’s singles also said it was his passion, dedication and hard work that was responsible for his victory and noted that the game was tough and interesting.
“I saw my opponent’s weakness, I made sure I used his weakness against him and I will also work on my service to make me the best player,” he said.
In the Cadet Boys Singles, Qudus Surmer of Summer Table Tennis Club defeated Nurudeen Hassan of Deenstar Club 2-1.
Alimot Ayinla of Deenstar Table Tennis Club beat clubmate Isiwat Willougby 2-0 in the Cadet Girls Singles.
Surmer lost to clubmate Quadri Quazeem 3-4 in the Junior Boys Singles.
In the Junior Girls Singles Bose Odusanya of Sports Horizon defeated Ayisat Almoroof of Deenstar 4-0.
The Women’s and Men’s Singles winners were given N40, 000 each with a plasma TV and refrigerators respectively, while the runners up were given N20,000 each and trophies.
The competition which was played between the 13th and 17th of this month recorded 250 participants in 17 categories.
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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