Sports
President Solicits Support For Deaf Sports
The Nigeria Deaf Sports Federation has called on the private sector and philanthropists to invest in its activities to develop potential deaf sports athletes.
The Federation’s President, Usman Nahuche made the call in an interview with newsmen on the state of Nigerian sports and performance of athletes.
He said that the National Sports Commission (NSC) had not given sports the priority attention it needed to develop in the country, so that it could compare favourably with the situation in western countries.
According to him, the federation has many qualification matches for international championships but lacked the finances for the programmes.
“We have so many programmes lined up here, we plan for the Deaflympic Games in 2013. And then we have the World Deaf Championship for the men football in 2012.
“Right now, we have qualifying matches in August for the deaf women football, which we are supposed to go to South Africa for, while they will be here for the return leg, but we lack funds,’’ he said.
Nahuche said that the NSC had always complained of not having money whenever the federation approached it for support to participate in major events.
He said that the deaf sports athletes took part in 23 games, including football, athletics, weightlifting, hockey, tennis and table tennis, adding that they needed money to sustain their efforts.
“What we want to tell Nigerians is that the deaf people can perform better than normal people.
“So, we want Nigerians to come and support us to be able to win gold medals at the Deaflympics 2013.
“We are calling on them to come and share with us and let us feel the sense of belonging. Let the deaf be part of you like brothers and sisters, like sons and parents,’’ he said.
Nahuche disclosed that the federation was planning its congress between November and December and would also want to attend the congress of the International Committee for Deaf Sports.
He, however, lamented that they might not attend the events unless they secured sponsors.
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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