Sports
Badminton Players Decry Dearth Of Competitions
Africa’s number three badminton player, Nigeria-born Ifraimu Jinkam and his compatriot Enejo Abah, have said that the dearth of competitions was stalling the growth of the sport in the country.
In separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos, they said that players could hardly boast of a competition in the first quarter of this year.
They said on telephone that they reserved their fears that the sport might be extinct soon, if nothing was done to attract people to invest in its growth.
Jinkam, who is also Nigeria’s number one player, said the lack of competitions would not help the sport and upcoming players to develop as they hardly participated in national championships.
“Players improve when they train regularly and compete in tournaments to assess what they have learnt. It always put them in competition mood.
“Some of the players practise on their own, but when there is no competition, they get discouraged,’’ he said.
He also noted that multinational companies should come to the aid of badminton by sponsoring competitions where budding talents would be discovered.
“If we can rely a little on government’s allocation and look for alternatives by getting the help of corporate organisations, they will help to organise competitions, at least locally,’’ Jinkam said.
Nigeria’s number two player and Africa’s number six, EnejoAbah, said players would not improve till there were series of competitions to allow them show their skills.
“The dearth of local competitions is not good for the development of badminton. If we do not realise this, the sport might die a natural death if we cannot bring up new talents.
“A competition is an avenue where you improve because you will know where you are missing it and where you need to improve upon to develop yourself,’’ he said.
He also said credible people should be made to manage the sport to ensure its development.
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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