Sports
Para-Weightlifting Coach Urges Completion Of Gym
A Para-Powerlifting Coach, Ijeoma Iherobiem, has appealed to the National Sports Commission (NSC) to ensure the speedy completion of the gymnasium under refurbishment at the National Stadium, Lagos.
Iherobiem, a coach with the Delta State Sports Commission, told newsmen in Lagos that because of the renovation, they conducted their training in an open space.
The gymnasium, located under the terraces of the Main Bowl of the stadium, has been under renovation since 2010.
“The situation has compelled us to be training under difficult conditions which is not good for the lifters’ physique.’’
She also identified the lack of incentives as a major challenge affecting the sustenance of new athletes in the sport.
Iherobiem said that she provided money for the athletes to transport themselves to and from training just to sustain their interest and keep them off begging alms in the street.
“Whenever I come in contact with them, I counsel them on how they can be useful even in their disability and I give them money to encourage them.’’
She applauded the Delta State Government for its support to the development of powerlifting, especially by offering automatic employment to the gold medallist at the last National Sports Festival in Port Harcourt.
“The incentives by the Delta government have compelled some of them to be committed to the sport.’’
In a separate interview, a 60kg lifter, Kehinde Paul, said that rainfall was hampering their training in an open space.
He appealed to the NSC come to their rescue by ensuring the speedy completion of the renovation work.
“As an indoor sport, training in the open deters our performance and exposes us to danger. I am begging the NSC to help us to put the gymnasium in order.’’
Similarly. Maria Komo (55kg), urged the sports ministry to provide training equipment and money to enable them to participate in competitions.
Komo said: “We need standard training equipment to engage in more competitions to evaluate our performances. Sports festivals should not be the only games to assess athletes.’’
She also urged the government to provide transportation for the physically challenged at various locations to convey athletes to and from training venues.
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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