Sports
‘NSSF, Vehicle For Discovery Of Talents’
The National President of the Nigerian School Sports Federation (NSSF), Mallam Ibrahim Muhammed, has said that the age cheat scandal that characterized sports development in the country would be addressed through competitive events organized by National School Sports Festival. Mallam Muhammed stated this at the opening ceremony of the 4th National Sports Festival tag Calabar 2011 taking place at the U.J.Esuene stadium the Cross River State capital with more than 21 States participating in 22 events.
According to the NSSF boss the golden era of Nigerian Sports was made possible with organised school sports which he said remains the vehicle for the discovery and nurturing of budding talents”.
He commended Nestle Nigeria PLC for the development of sports, especially for keeping faith with Secondary Schools championship and Adidas for identifying with Calabar 2011 and appeal to other corporate bodies to emulate their good gesture by promoting school sports.
Declaring the championship open, the Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, said the event would change the face of sports development in the country stressing that the objective of the National School Sports Festival is to nurture the young into adulthood for the betterment of the society.
Imoke urged the three tiers of government to encourage the National Schools Sport Festival as part of their agenda for the development of young talent for the future generation of Nigerian athletes.
He said it is part of the state agenda to promote sports and identify talent, noting that the Cross River State Government has selected some schools into six competitive schools to groom them into world class athletes
In his goodwill message, the Cross River State Commissioner for Education Prof. Offiong Offiong described sports as a way of life, adding that, the sports Festival is expected to bring the youths together, identify their talents and harness them to be groom future stars.
He said the comprehensive renewal programme of his ministry will ensure that necessary facilities for the development of talents are provided as well as promoting Inter-House Sporting activities.
Among the sporting events being competed for include Athletics, Handball, Swimming, Volley ball, Traditional Wrestling, Football, Badminton, Boxing Weightlifting, Chess Scrabble, Gymnastics, Judo, Wrestling, and Karate Tennis among others.
Riday Nwagbara, Calabar
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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