Sports
‘Garden City Games, Good For Rivers Image’
The successes recorded at the recently concluded 17th National Sports Festival have been described as positive development for the image and prospects of Rivers State within Nigeria and beyond.
This was the position of a grassroots football promoter in the state, Chief Isaac Nwanwu.
Nwanwu, who spoke with Tidesports in an interview said that the successful hosting of the national sports fiesta has undoubtedly earned Rivers State a good name and that he would not be surprised to see the state hosting more sporting and other events in the near future.
He congratulated the Rivers State government and the people for being excellent hosts.
He also commended Team Rivers for doing the state proud in winning the highest number of gold medals at the event.
According to him, the state government should pay more attention to grassroots sports where he believe hidden talents could be discovered to represent the state and country in bigger sports events.
“Experience from the just concluded NSF has shown that there are lots of budding talents at the grassroots level though much efforts have not been channeled towards harnessing their potentials in the state,” he said.
Chief Nwanwu appreciated some of the facilities used for the festival, saying that, they were world of class standard and could stand the test of time.
“In fact the facilities I saw at the new Chief Adokiye Amiesemaka Sports Complex coupled with the colourful opening and closing ceremony of the 17th National Sports Festival are enough evidence to speak well of Governor Amaechi’s passion and commitment to sports development in the state,” he said.
He thus called for proper maintenance of the facilities ahead of subsequent sporting events.
It could be recalled that Rivers State hosted the National Sports Festival for the first time in 1988 before the just concluded 17th National Sports Fiesta tagged “Garden City Games 2011”.
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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