Sports
Tennis Federation Explains Rules For Players’ Selection
Players at the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) trials will be selected for the All Africa Games (AAG), camping based on their aggregate points, John Peters, President, Nigeria Table Tennis Umpires Association, has said.
Peters had explained at the competition’s venue at the National Stadium, Lagos, that the best 10 males and 10 females would be selected for camping.
He said the rule was that two points were awarded to a player who won in a game while the loser got a point.
“The female category was scheduled to play 15 games while the males will play 19. At the end of the rounds, players’ cumulative points will be used to select them.
“Those who will qualify will be those with the highest points until we have 10 players each for the male and female categories,” he said.
Peters added that in case there was a tie between two players, then the game where they played each other would be used to decide who qualified.
“If we have a tie between two players, the player who won the game in which they met will carry the day.
“But where it involves three players, a chart will be drawn for them while their points when they played each other will be divided and the player with the highest points qualifies,” he added.
He added that after the first 10 players had been selected, there would be a trial among them to produce the first five for men and women categories.
One of the players, Ojo Onaolapo, representing Ondo State, said that he was satisfied with the officiating at the trials and believed that winning is all about luck.
Onaolapo said that he hoped to be a part of the contingent to the All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique, in September having won 10 out of 13 rounds played.
“I am not scared playing with our star professionals plying their trade overseas because the game is all about luck because one cannot determine the spin of the ball.
“No matter how hard you train, you can not say whether you will win a game or not,” he 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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