Sports
Association Urges NAF To Revive Basketball Team
The Secretary, Cross River Basketball Association, Omara Coco-Bassey has called on the Nigerian Air Force to revive its basketball team, known as the Rockets.
Coco-Bassey, a basketball referee, told Tidesport in Calabar on Monday that the sudden disappearance of the Rockets from the basketball league was most unfortunate.
He said the matches played so far at the 7th Nigerian Air Force games had shown that there were outstanding players among the participating formations.
“I have seen very talented players in the ongoing games and if they go to the premier league, they will do well.
“I appeal to the Air Force authorities to revive the team. Some of their talented players have left the scene to seek greener pastures elsewhere.’’
He urged the Air Force to encourage the players representing some formations in the ongoing games to become full time stars.
“So, my appeal is for the Air Force to now encourage them because I can see the potentials in them that can make a lot of impact in the premier league or basket ball in this state. “So, I really, really will love to see them in the premier league or even if they will have to start somewhere to get into the premier league, they must be encouraged by reviving the team again.
“The players, like I said great players. And All what they need is a good coach and encouragement and I think they will go a lot of places from what I am seeing.’’
Coco-Bassey said basketball in the country would receive a boost if the Air Force team would be revived and join other teams to compete in the premier league.
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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