Sports
Boxers To Prove Mettle For AAG, Olympics Tickets
Obisia Nwankpa, Head Coach of the Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF), has said that selection of boxers for the All Africa Games and the 2012 London Olympics would be strictly on merit.
Nwankpa told newsmen in Lagos that this was to ensure that the boxers invited to closed camp gave their very best.
He said that the days when boxers were selected for international competitions based on past performances were gone, stressing that every boxer would have to prove his mettle.
The NBF is currently conducting an open camp for the selected boxers at the Brai Ayonote Gymnasium, National Stadium, Lagos.
Nwankpa, a former Commonwealth Welterweight Champion, said that only the best boxers would be selected for the two competitions.
“Selection of boxers for these prestigious competitions must be based on the performance of the athletes during training.
“Merit must be upheld at all times and any boxer who falls short of the criteria for selection would not be considered.
“If you had performed well in the past, you have to work harder to merit a place in the team and not rely on your pedigree, ‘’Nwankpa said.
The coach further explained that the federation’s proposed national boxing championship slated for May was being hindered by paucity of funds.
“The National Sports Commission (NSC) had promised to assist the federation with some money to organise the national championship.
“We don’t know how soon the money will be released to the federation for us to commence preparations.
“Whenever the money is released, we will go ahead with the arrangement,’’ Nwankpa 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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