Sports
SWAN Faults MOC Over Accreditation Delay
The Lagos State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) yesterday faulted the Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the 18th National Sports Festival on the delay in the accreditation of journalists at the Games.
The chapter’s Vice-Chairman, Wale Joseph, told the Tidesports in Lagos that the accreditations ought to have been ready for the festival which began yesterday.
“Accreditations for journalists covering the event were to be ready on Monday, but up till now, they are not,” Joseph said.
The journalists, who thronged the SWAN secretariat at the National Stadium, Lagos yesterday for their accreditation cards were surprised when told that they were not ready.
Joseph stressed that SWAN was not in any position to print accreditation cards, adding that it was the sole responsibility of the MOC.
He added that the chapter had supplied the MOC with all necessary information on journalists wishing to cover the Games, stressing that it was the duty of the MOC to have completed the accreditation on time.
“We are not the ones to accredit journalists, it is the sole responsibility of the MOC and we have since supplied them with the necessary information,’’ he said.
Joseph, who said that the delay in journalists’ accreditation was common in sports festivals, however, allayed fears of intimidation that might arise from the non-possession of accreditation cards.
He said that SWAN would continue to pressurise the MOC for the prompt issuance of the cards.
The vice chairman, therefore, urged journalists covering the event to continue with their coverage, without any fear, saying the accreditation problem would soon be resolved.
Danjuma Fatauchi, an MOC member, declined comment on the accreditation issue, saying that he was not in the position to make any comment.
Meanwhile, SWAN’s internet facilities at its secretariat, which the association said would serve as a sub-media centre for the Games, had begun operation.
Journalists were seen using the facilities to send their reports to their various media organisations.
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.