Sports
‘Absence In World Championships, Reason For Low Olympic Slots’
The Secretary, Nigeria Weightlifting
Federation, Uche Onwumeh, has reiterated
the need for athletes to participate in World Championships to enhance their
chances of taking part in major competitions such as the Olympics.
Reacting to the award of two slots to Nigeria in the event at the London
Olympics, Onwumeh said the fact that the country’s weightlifters did not
participate in the championships was responsible.
The secretary, who spoke to newsmen in Lagos, urged the National Sports
Commission to ensure that the country’s athletes competed at the World
Championships.
“Our non participation at the 2010
Weightlifting World Championships held in Antalya, Turkey, reduced our points
to secure more slots to represent the country in London’’ she explained.
According to her, regular participation in
both continental and world championships will help athletes to acquire points
and have better chances of getting more slots for the Olympic Games.
Onwumeh said that all the weightlifters
that participated at the qualifiers in Kenya in April were outstanding “but due
to our low points, only two could make it to the Games.
“Our athletes are exceptionally good,
especially the females who broke the African record. However, the fact that we
participated in a few major competitions affected us,’’ she added.
The secretary disclosed that the athletes
currently in camp in Abuja were responding to training.
She explained that apart from the two to
compete in the Olympics, other lifters who do well while in camp would also be
in London.
Onwumeh disclosed that the lifters will
undertake a training tour to hone their skill before the Games.
She recommended that immediately after the
London Olympics, preparation for the 2016 Olympic Games should start.
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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