Sports
Nigeria Secures Hosting Rights For Int’l T/Tennis Tourney
The country’s prowess in table tennis has earned it the hosting rights for three international tournaments in 2013, a top official of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) has said.
The President, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Kayode Omotosho, disclosed this as the maiden Femi George and Friends Table Tennis International Classic which began at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, on Monday.
Omotosho told the newsmen that the Africa Table Tennis Federation had communicated the decision to the NTTF.
“Normally, such things are bid for, so it was a surprise when I was informed by ATTF of the hosting rights for the U-17 and U-20.
“And the club championships, the men and women singles for 2013 has also been awarded to the country and I believe it is because Nigeria is a force to reckon with,” he said.
He explained that the recognition was also made possible by the country’s participation in statutory tournaments on the continent.
Omotosho commended the organisers and sponsors of the Ist Femi George and Friends International Classics for creating a platform to expose talents.
“I must commend the organisers and sponsors of this event which has made it possible for NTTF to showcase talents to prominent country club members.
“This will stir in the hearts of individuals who are willing to sponsor the sport to do so; without doubt, it is a good sponsorship strategy that NTTF embraced,” Omotosho said.
He said the tournament was also a training platform for players who would be participating in the world championships in Germany later in March.
Olufemi George, the sponsor of the event, said that it was his way of giving back to a sport that aided him to be what he is.
“Table tennis made it possible for me to gain admission into the university and this tournament is just a way of saying thank you to the society,” George told newsmen.
About 42 male players and 24 female players from table tennis clubs and states are participating in the tournament.
Ranti Lajide, an international table tennis umpire, said that by today 16 players would emerge from both the male and female categories to begin the classics proper.
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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