Sports
NICEGA To Groom New Talents
The President of Nigeria Colleges of
Education Games (NICEGA), Sanusi Mohammed has said that no fewer than 40
talents were discovered at the 17th NICEGA Games.
The Games tagged ‘Akalaka 2012’ was held
from April 11 to April 22 at the College of Education (Technical), Omoku,
Rivers state.
Mohammed told newsmen that the discovered
athletes comprised 16 footballers – six males and 10 females.
He said that they would be invited for
trials to ensure they were infused into different national teams.
According to him, the association will not
relent in the discovery of more talents for the country.
Mohammed, also director of competitions at
the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) ,said the federation sent a
representative to scout for talents at NICEGA.
“I can tell you specifically that the NFF
sent a representative and I know those identified from football will be called
for trials.
“NICEGA wants to improve on the standard of
sports and we will not relent in our aspiration to showcase the talents through
school sports,” he said.
He noted that prominent players like
Geneieve Njoku, a national marathon champion, and Chinyere Onuoha, who
captained the national women volleyball team, were discovered at NICEGA.
Mohammed advised athletes to always take
their education seriously, stressing that their certificates would be useful at
the end of their sporting careers.
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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