Sports
NUGA Postpones 24th Games Till 2013
The Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA) yesterday
announced the postponement of the 24th NUGA Games, originally scheduled to hold
at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, in December, till next year.
The Association’s Secretary, Bola Orodele, disclosed this to
newsmen in Lagos. He explained that the 24th NUGA Games had to be put-off till
2013 because of the 18th National Sports Festival (NSF), which is fixed for
November 27 to December 9 in Lagos.
“The festival will delay the Games because it will dove-tail
into December, which was the original date that we had fixed for NUGA,” he
said.
“Some of our students will be representing different states
and it will be difficult to organise the Games immediately after the festival
because they will need to rest in between the games,” Orodele said.
He noted that new dates for the Games would be made public
after the association’s board meeting scheduled for some time in November.
Orodele said that both the association and the host
institution were ready for the Games, pointing out that the OAU was putting
finishing touches to its swimming pool and the tartan tracks.
“Almost all the facilities are ready, except the tracks and
the swimming pool that are just about to be finished.
“The last time we were at Ile-Ife to inspect the spate of
work, the swimming pool and the tracks were almost completed,” he said.
The nine sports that would feature at the Games are:
Handball, Badminton, Lawn Tennis, Judo, Cricket, Hockey, Football, Table Tennis
and Basketball.
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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