Sports
New African Weightlifting Record Holder Gets NSC’s Scholarship
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has awarded a scholarship to 18-year-old Chinenye Fidelis who broke the African and national records in weightlifting in the 53kg category at the 17th National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt last week.
The Technical Director, Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), retired Navy Capt. Babatunde Adedimeji, made the disclosure yesterday
Fidelis lifted a total of 205kg to set the new records, breaking the 2009 record of 175kg set by Patience Lawal of Kwara.
“As a result of Chinenye’s outstanding performance, Patrick Ekeji, the Director General, NSC, decided to give her an automatic scholarship for her education,” he said.
Adedimeji said that the African and national record holder, who is currently in SS 2, would be sponsored through the rest of her education.
He also disclosed that a sum of N50,000 was presented to Fidelis’ coach.
Adedimeji, who is also an official of African Weightlifting Federation (WFA), said that the Akwa Ibom-born weightlifter was now rated as an elite athlete.
He said that the new African record set by the athlete would be considered by the federation and ratified by the WFA.
According to him, the federation will continue to strive to ensure that more talents are discovered, especially, at the National Sports Festival.
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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