Sports
Ex-Olympians Urge Early Camping All Africa Games
Ex-Olympians, Yusuf Ali and Tina Iheagwam, have advised the National Sports Commission (NSC) to start early camping of athletes in preparation for the All Africa Games scheduled for Maputo, Mozambique, in September.
The ex-Olympians told newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos that early camping and athletes’ welfare were imperative for Nigeria’s success at the Games.
According to them, boosting the morale of the athletes by early commencement of camping and prompt release of funds for the competition will go a long way in ensuring excellent performance.
Ali, who also won a silver medal in long jump at the 1991 All Africa Games in Egypt, noted that the NSC had yet to announce any camp site, adding that the athletes to represent Nigeria ought to be in camp by now.
“If early preparation is not put in place, there might be poor results from these athletes, they ought to be in camp now, but I am yet to hear any thing,” he said.
The ex-Olympian also commended the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) for the successful conduct of the just concluded Golden League.
He noted that most of the athletes were consistent with their time, adding that if they continued to improve, there was hope at the All Africa Games.
Ali commended the organisers and sponsors of the event for the N2 million earmarked as prize for the best athletes.
“I was impressed by the outcome of the league because each athlete that won got the prize money of N500,000 for the first time,” he said.
Similarly, Iheagwam, a gold medallist at the All Africa Games in Egypt, advised that qualified athletes should be moved to camp immediately after the National Sports Festival.
“We should stop using fire-brigade approach. As soon as the National Sports Festival is over, qualified athletes should be camped to help them correct their lapses,” she said.
Iheagwam stressed the need for a good welfare package for the athletes, warning that poor remuneration could jeopardise the country’s chances at the Games.
The ex-Olympian, however, disagreed with Ali on the success of the recently concluded Golden League.
According to her, the objective of the meet was not realised as the high standards expected from athletes were not met.
“The athletes did not really impress me, but I think they can improve before the All Africa Games through rigorous training and early camping.
Iheagwam, nonetheless, commended the AFN for the initiative, adding that the league was well organised.
The Golden League took place in Lagos, Ekiti, Delta and Cross River.
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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