Sports
Cross River Plans High Altitude Centre On Obudu
The Cross River State Government has said that it will build a sports centre at the Obudu Mountain Resort to enhance high altitude training of athletes.
Patrick Ugbe, the Commissioner for Information and Social Orientation, told newsmen in Calabar that in addition, the government would upgrade some stadiums in the state.
Ugbe listed the stadiums to be upgraded as Calabar, Ikom and Ogoja.
He said that well equipped indoor sports halls would be provided at these stadiums to further improve the training of athletes.
“We went to Ethiopia recently to play their national team, the high altitude affected our players who arrived just a few hours to the game.
“They could not perform well due to this and that is why we had the result we had.
“If we have these facilities in place and they decided to go and stay there to train, they can move to Ethopia and play and will not be affected by the altitude, Ugbe said.
The commissioner explained that the projects were part of Governor Liyel Imoke’s comprehensive sport development programme.
He said that the state government also planned to engage world class coaches for the enhancement of sports.
Ugbe said that Cross River had signed a deal with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to sponsor the All Nigeria Open Athletic Championships for the next five years.
“Just last week, Governor Imoke signed that deal with the AFN; it is to last for five years and the first edition will be hosted by the state from tomorrow to June 27.
The commissioner said that the championship would make Cross River not only the destination for sports but also a business and tourism hub.
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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