Sports
Committee Wants Re-Introduction Of Powerlifting At All Africa Games
The Nigeria Paralympics Committee (NPC) has urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to join hands with other African countries to ensure the reintroduction of powerlifting in All Africa Games.
A member of the Technical Committee of NPC, Feyisetan Are, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Lagos recently.
It will be recalled that powerlifting was de-listed from the All Africa Games in 2003 when Nigeria hosted the edition, tagged “COJA 2003”.
Are said the country had talented athletes in the sport and noted that not featuring powerlifting in competitions was a setback to special sportsmen and women.
“Powerlifting is one sport that is important to the country because it is a multi-medal winning sport where Nigeria has comparative advantage.
“The NSC should meet with other countries, such as Egypt, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa, known to have good athletes in the sport to realise the re-introduction,” he said.
Are said that the association lacked equipment, such as benches, weight, magnesium power, crutches and wheelchairs, for training to aid athletes’ movement.
He urged the Federal Government and sports federations to ensure that the National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt in June was successful.
“Sports is rehabilitation for physically challenged people to keep off the streets because the lack of care by government and the people was responsible for their being outside,” 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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