Sports
Handball Tourney: HFN Advises Clubs On Preparation
The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) has advised clubs
for the 34th Africa Club Championships in Tangier, Morocco, to use the
postponement of the championships to prepare adequately.
The President of HFN, Yusuf Dauda, told newsmen on Wednesday
in Lagos that the championships were earlier scheduled to hold from October 18
to 29.
Dauda, said that it had been postponed indefinitely because
of the 18th Congress of the Africa Handball Confederation (CAHB).
“I am aware of the championships postponement. It is an
opportunity for the participating teams to beef up their training to make sure
that all their wings are flaw-free,’’ he said.
Dauda disclosed that four teams, two male and two female,
would represent the country at the tournament.
The teams are Niger United of Minna, Safety Shooters of
Abuja, Grasshoppers of Owerri and Owena Queens of Akure.
The HFN boss noted that the event was important to the
federation because it would boost Nigeria’s ranking in African Handball
“We have a lot to gain because apart from our players
gaining exposure, it will also increase our ranking in Africa as the championships
are being organised by the CAHB,” he added.
Dauda disclosed that the federation had taken steps to get
sponsors, to enable the teams to compete at the annual championships.
According to him, the federation has written letters to some
organisations for assistance and we will also approach some state governors for
sponsorships.
Dauda also expressed optimism that the teams would improve
on their 2011 performances which, he said, was not too good.
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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