Sports
London 2012: Nigerians Hail FG’s Decision On Delegation
Nigerians have hailed the decision of the Federal Government not to send an official delegation to the 2012 London Olympic Games.
The Games are scheduled to run from July 27 to August 12 in London. Nigeria is among 203 nations scheduled to be represented at the Games.
They believed that their presence at the Games would at best be a distraction to the athletes sent there to win medals.
Vice-President of Mastersports International, a Lagos-based sports marketing outfit said that an official delegation would be a mere cosmetic expression of cordial relationship, which, “we can afford to do away with in case of the London Games.
“Olympic Games are not for politicians. If they are not there, what does it add or take away? asked Obi.
According to him, their presence could only add to the huge expenses at the Games as it has never propelled the winning of medals at the Games by athletes.
He said that the Olympics had a tradition that would not accord the type of recognition that the politicians could wish for.
Obi, then, urged them to seat at home and faces the task of providing good governance.
Chris Eseka, a FIFA Marketing Agent said the decision was good because the Ministry of Sports had nothing doing at the Games.
“The Games are not a jamboree and so if they want to go, they had wanted to go, they should have worked for it,’’ he said.
“Let the athletes just go to the Games and do their best,’’ added Eseka.
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.