Sports
Igwe Canvasses Support For Athletes
A former Head Coach of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Tobias Igwe has appealed to sports authorities to always support athletes for good results.
Igwe made the appeal when he spoke on the physically challenged athletes’ performance at the Paralympic Games in London. He spoke in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
“These Paralympic athletes have really come out to prove a point and I hope that our sports administrators can now see the need to develop all sports.
“Sports administrators have the power to make a positive change, which will be beneficial to all of us, if the right things are put in place.
“It is unfortunate that at the moment sports are at the lowest ebb in this country,’’ he stated.
Igwe also advised sports administrators to consider coaches who have important input to make toward the development of athletes and sports in general.
“Administrators should be on the lookout for quality coaches who are ready to go to the grassroots to search for talents that are ready to give their all.
“But one problem again is that we don’t know how to manage our resources.
“Take for instance, I discovered the likes of Mary Onyali and the Ezinwa brothers, but I have been underutilised due to favoritism and they often lay off the good ones,’’ he said.
The junior athletes coach also pleaded with the Abia State Government to reinstate him as their employee and pay his outstanding salary.
“I want to appeal to the Abia State Government to come to my aide.
“October this year will make it a year since I was disengaged with no compensation. I want my reward while am alive,’’ he pleaded.
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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