Sports
Enugu Wins 1st Akanu Ibiam Athletics Championships
Enugu State won eight gold, six silver and
two bronze medals to win the maiden Late Dr Akanu Ibiam Athletics Championships
for secondary schools in the National Sports Commission (NSC) South-East Zone
I.
Anambra came second with four gold, six
silver and four bronze medals, while Ebonyi won only six bronze medals to
clinch the third position in the competition concluded on Saturday in Enugu.
The Coordinator, NSC South-East Zone I,
Stanley Okebugwu, said the championships were successful with great
significance.
Okebugwu told newsmen in Enugu that he was
impressed with the performance of the youth selected from secondary schools in
the zone.
“I am happy that the championships were
successful. At least, we are able to discover a girl from Anambra and a boy
from Enugu.
“I believe they will do well in future if
further groomed,” he said.
The coordinator promised that the
competition would be an annual event.
A national coach in track and field, Johnny
Igboka, thanked the Commission for giving youths the opportunity to show their
talents.
The Ebonyi State Director of Sports,
Emmanuel Utobo advised youths to always come out to display their talents in
any competition.
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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