Sports
‘Why Nigeria Missed Youth Games’
Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC), says the country’s absence at the Youth Games in the Isle of Man is because of a clash in date with the ongoing All Africa Games in Maputo.
The NOC President, Sani Ndanusa, told newsmen in Maputo that it was impossible to attend the two events.
“Many African member countries of the Commonwealth are also not attending the Youth Games because of the clash in date of the two events.’’
Ndanusa said that the Africa Games was not accorded the right recognition at the international sports scene.
“It is redundant and isolated from the international sports scene and does not serve as a qualifier for any major competition,’’ Ndanusa said.
The NOC president, however, said that the country could not on its own pull out of the games.
“We are not contemplating doing that because of our leading role on the continent.’’
He said that the Africa Games lacked quality and content and had been compromised because host countries were allowed to dictate what events to host.
Ndanusa said Nigeria’s chances were still bright and that it would be among the top five countries in the competition.
He said since events in track and fields in which Nigeria had advantage had yet to begin, the country still had good chances of finishing well at the end of the competition.
“For now our position on the medals table looks poor but by the time the athletics events would have started our position will improve.
“I have confidence in the athletics team.’’
The NOC chief decried the standard of the competition, saying the performance so far had not met international standards.
“The standard should be better than what we have today,” he said.
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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