Sports
Amiesimaka Stadium Opens 2013
One of Nigeria’s and indeed Africa’s top sports complex, the Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports Complex in Rivers State is to be formally opened in 2013.
This follows the schedule that the 36 thousand seater stadium would be completed early next year and delivered to the Government of Rivers State.
According to the Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Hon fred Igwe, the target for the completion of the main bowl, will not change from early next year when it is expected to be completed.
The Sports Commissioner, who was on an unscheduled inspection of the facility yesterday said that the stadium named after one of Rivers born former national team footballer Chief Adokiye Amiesimaka, would be delivered to the people of Rivers Stsate in 2013.
“This project is at the centre of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s schedule to make certain it is completed and put to full use.
“We are working in line with his expectation and to ensure we deliver a high standard facility to the people of the State and the world.
“The main bowl is 80 percent completed with the roof nearly covered.
“The major work we are focusing on now is to plant the right natural grass for use,” he said.
He further said that, the sports complex would be open to high profile sports competition as well as serve national and local sports tournament.
“In addition to many national and international tournaments we will host, we are optimistic that Rivers State will be the next home ground for the Super Eagles immediately the main stadium is completed,” he said.
The other sports arena in the complex include the aquatic centre of two Olympic swimming and diving pools, the football arena with a natural grass field for tracks and field events and two training
pitches, the hockey pitch, the shooting range, basketball courts, tennis courts, two indoor sports halls, handball courts that are already completed and in good use.
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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