Sports
Decline In Professional Wrestling Worries Ultimate Commander
The Africa Wrestling Heavyweight Champion, Ultimate Commander, has expressed concern over the decline of professional wrestling in Nigeria.
Commander told newsmen in Lagos that if measures were not taken to correct the situation, professional wrestling might die in Nigeria.
The heavyweight champion said that his title defence was staged in the country in order to revive interest in the sport among Nigerians.
He decried the lack of facilities for professional wrestling in the country, noting that the few available ones in some of the country’s stadia were obsolete.
Commander appealed to corporate organisations in the country to support professional wrestling by sponsoring wrestlers and tournaments for the sport to survive.
He said that with the active involvement of corporate organisations in the sport, promoters would be inclined to promote the sport.
According to him, such partnership will yield good returns for both parties.
He also urged professional wrestlers to use their experience and contacts to get sponsors for the sport, thereby encouraging young wrestlers to make a career of professional wrestling.
“I am so worried by the state of professional wrestling in the country today. In the past when we did not have these many multinationals in the country, they were seriously funding sports.
“I appeal to my colleagues to use their experience and connection to develop the sport,” he said.
He also solicited the support of Nigerians in his quest to defend his title which he said would help him take the sport to the next level.
Fifteen foreign and 13 African wrestlers are taking part in the championship being promoted by Universal Promotional Wrestling Federations (UPWF) in conjunction with The Ultimate Wrestling and Charity Organisation.
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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