Sports
Garden City Games Has Redefined NSF – Abe
A member of the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Abe, has said that the National Sports Festival should be a true celebration of excellence in sports.
Abe, who represents Rivers South-East Senatorial Zone, made the assertion in a telephone interview yesterday. He said the successful hosting of the 17th edition of the Games by Rivers was an indication that the nation could host major international sporting events.
Abe, a former Secretary to the Rivers government, said the successful hosting of the festival, tagged “Garden City Games’’, had redefined the concept of the Games.
“Every Nigerian should be happy and proud of what the Rivers State Government and its people did during the Games.
“They have redefined the festival and its concept in its spirit of development of athletes and provision of infrastructure,’’ he said.
The senator said the Games had brought some lessons to the entire sporting community in the country.
“Subsequent hosts and states should follow the same path to make the Games a true celebration of excellence in sports and an event of pride for the entire country,’’ he said.
He commended the government and people of Rivers for hosting the nation and adding value and new concept to the Games.
Abe also commended Team Rivers for topping the medals table at the end of the Games and commended Gov. Chibuike Amaechi for his support to the festival and Team Rivers.
Rivers came first at the end of the festival with 135 gold, 79 silver and 85 bronze medals.
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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