Sports
Revival Of School Sports, Panacea For Sports Woes – Commissioner
The Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary
Education, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, has blamed Nigeria’s poor performance at
the London 2012 Olympics to the abandonment of schools sports.
Muoboghare told newsmen in Asaba at the weekend that unless
Nigeria anchors its sports development at the grassroots, achieving results at
international competitions would remain a mirage.
According to him, standards in sports performance will
continue to dwindle if urgent steps are not taken to revive schools sports in
the country.
The commissioner, who supported President Goodluck
Jonathan’s directive for restructuring of the nation’s sports, noted that a
complete overhaul was the panacea for reviving the sector.
He added that Nigeria also failed in sports because there
was no long term developmental plan.
“You cannot continue to apply ad hoc style to prepare for
big competitions and expect to achieve success, unfortunately that is what we
do in this country.
“Countries, even with already established athletes and
adequate facilities, still embark on long term process to prepare for Olympics
and other international competitions,” he said.
Muoboghare said that the state had gone back to the
grassroots to reposition its sports, adding that the state had also concluded a
comprehensive programme for swimming.
“Our plan is to bring all our talented swimmers at the
grassroots to Asaba every weekend for grooming and take them back to their
respective schools during the week days.”
He said that the state had different approaches and strategies for other sports, adding that the Governor’s Cup football competition for secondary schools in the state would commence in October.
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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