Sports
N’Delta Handball Team Leaves For Sweden
The Niger Delta Regional Youth Handball contingent has left to represent the country in a youth championship going on in Sweden.
The team was nominated by the National Handball Federation to represent Nigeria in what is called the Pately Cup, which has been in place for the past 40 years and could be likened to the Junior World Cup.
Speaking to Tidesports source before their take-off from the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tara and Thomson Consultancy firm, the co-sponsor of the team, Mr Quashi Thomson said that the preparation for the event started 18 months ago.
He explained: “We started this project 18 months ago and we had the team to represent Nigeria in the handball championship in Sweden. The Pately Cup is like the Junior World Cup for handball and we hope the team will do well”.
According to Mr Thomson, the team comprising both male and female youths numbering 32 are Under-13 and Under-15 respectively, noting that the team’s chances are bright as Nigerian teams had won the trophy in the past.
Also interviewed was the captain of the team, Mr Dawari Sogo, who noted that the contingent were traveling under the auspices of the sports department of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
“The team, which was selected from Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Delta states is participating in the tournament for the first time,” said Sogo.
He disclosed that the Niger State is being represented by an Under-13 team, pointing out that the Niger Delta contingent were properly trained and hoped that with the momentum of the players, “we are going there to win and not just to participate”.
Shedie Okpara
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.