Sports
Promoter Donates Gloves Towards Jonathan Tourney
A U.S.-based promoter, Ike Enwereuzor, has donated nine pairs of boxing gloves to organisers of the President Goodluck Jonathan tournament scheduled to hold in Enugu in March.
Enwereuzor said at a news briefing in Enugu at the weekend that he would donate more boxing gears if the March 8 to March 12 competition were well organised.
The donor said although he was a professional boxing promoter, there was need to scout for talents in the amateur ranks, who could be groomed to join the paid ranks.
He urged the organisers of the tournament billed to feature boxers from the South East zone to extend invitation to other zones of the country.
The tournament’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairman, Ikechukwu Okoronwko, told newsmen that boxers from the South South zone had been invited to take part in the competition.
Okonronkwo said organisers decided to invite the South South was taken because the zone had talented fighters particularly in the heavyweight category.
He expressed the hope that the two participating zones would be able to produce Nigeria’s top boxers in the future.
The South East zonal representative on the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) Board, Victor Azumara, said the championship was aimed at resuscitating the sport in the Zone.
Azumara also hoped that other zones in the country would emulate the South East to organise similar tournaments in their respective zones for the improvement of boxing in Nigeria.
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.