Sports
Kogi To Invest In Beach Soccer
The Kogi Government says it will take advantage of the shoreline of River Niger to promote beach soccer.
Governor Idris Wada made the promise while declaring open the Nigeria Football Association, NFA’s 2012 Beach Soccer Course last week in Lokoja.
Wada said that the state was naturally suitable for the sport hence the interest in its development.
Wada, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, urged corporate organisations and individuals to partner with the government to develop beach soccer.
According to him, the development of the game will further boost the tourism potential of the state.
He said that the present administration was working round the clock to ensure safety of lives and property and encourage socio-economic development of the state.
Wada said that government’s passion for sports made it to complete the 25,000 capacity stadium in Lokoja.
The Governor also promised appropriate funding for the sports sector, to create employment opportunities and checkmate youth restiveness and other anti-social vices.
The President of NFA, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, said beach soccer was a catalyst for development and solicited the assistance of government at all levels in the provision of infrastructure.
Maigari, who was represented by Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, Director, Technical, said that beach soccer, apart from serving as a means of recreation, had economic advantages.
In a message, Mr Sunday Okai, the National Secretary of Beach Soccer, said Nigeria was ranked 6th in the world.
According to him, the training programme is a prelude to the formation of beach soccer associations in all states.
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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