Sports
University Commends Contingent Performance
The Vice-Chancellor, Cross River University of Science and Technology (CRUTECH), Calabar, Prof. Ene-Obong E. Ene-Obong, has commmended the school’s representatives at the just-concluded NUGA Games zonal elimination for a “respectable outing”.
Ene-Obong, gave the commendation in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Calabar on the institution’s closure since October 2010.
CRUTECH, host of the competition took fourth position with 10 gold, eight silver and eight bronze medals.
The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) came tops with 62 gold, 37 silver and three bronze medals.
The University of Calabar (UNICAL) was second with 18 gold, 10 silver and 10 bronze, while the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) came third with 12 gold, 20 silver and nine bronze medals.
The Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri, took eight gold, 10 silver, and 19 bronze medals to pick the fifth position.
Other universities which participated are Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa, which placed sixth and Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, seventh.
Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), was eighth.
“I am impressed with the CRUTECH contingent’s performance because we are the youngest among the eight universities at the three-day NUGA Zone “D” preliminaries,” he said.
Ene-Obong said that he was optimistic that the school which had been on vacation following a strike by the institution’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities would resume soon.
“The committee set up by Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River on the matter is expected to submit its report to him.
“I am optimistic that the university will resume very soon,” Ene-Obong said.
Meanwhile, Rivers State University of Science and Technology and Niger Delta University are to represent the zone in the football event of the Games to be hosted by University of Benin in March.
UNICAL and Rivers State University are also expected to fly the zone’s flag in table tennis, while CRUTECH and UNIPORT are slated for badminton.
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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