Sports
18th NSF: Rivers Coaches, Athletes Under Pressure
The Zonal Weightlifting Coach in charge of Abua-Odual Local Government Area, Rivers State, Oliver Toby has said that late camping of the state athletes has put coaches and athletes under intense pressure.
Toby, who is a former Commonwealth and African gold medalist in the 69kg category noted that camping of athletes for such, national competition was usually carried out in two phases and wondered why the state was yet to commence either the first or second phase of the exercise.
Speaking in a telephone interview with The Tidesports in Port Harcourt yesterday, the Commonwealth gold medalist insisted that the first phase of camping of state athletes was expected to have ended last month, while preparations for the second phase ought to have been in top gear by now.
He however, said that the state camping of athletes would not pose a threat for the state to top the list of gold medalists, especially of weightlifting.
Toby who told The Tidesports that his zone has commenced intensive training for the weightlifting ahead of the camping, as well as the National Sports Festival in Lagos later this year.
According to him, Simeon James, who is in the 69kg category for boys and Bright Out, is the 48kg category for girls would do the state proud during the camping and the competition proper.
He urged weightlifters in the state to take their training seriously considering the state government’s commitment towards development of sports in the state.
Isaac Nwankwo
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.