Sports
Former Champion Decries Decline In Squash
A former National Squash Champion, Friday Omeben, has decried the lack of competitions currently bedeviling the sport in the country.
Omeben spoke with newsmen last week, in Lagos.
He said that the situation had made it impossible for squash players to participate in competitions that would sharpen their skills and improve their competitive edge.
Omeben, champion in1980, implored the Nigeria Squash Federation (NSF) to find ways to make the federation more active.
The former champion, who noted that the federation could only attract sponsors by having visible programmes, urged it to revamp its marketing department.
“Our players are not getting the type of exposure they need; normally in a season they should have regular competitions, now we can’t even boast of two tournaments in a year,’’ he said.
Omeben regretted that squash was not the only sport battling with inactivity as other sports faced a similar challenge, noting that coaches and players were worried by the development.
“The economic situation of the country is not helping matters; the economic crunch is biting harder.
“No sponsor wants to partner if there are no benefits; and there must be an incentive of sorts; there must be derivable benefits in place to entice them,’’ he said.
On refresher courses, Omeben said that the NSF had not been able to organise any for its coaches.
“Well, since we can’t travel out for refresher courses, we regularly acquaint ourselves with the current trends in the sport through the internet, which has being helpful,’’ he said.
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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